Quick Grabim provided Willie Mullins with an eighth victory in the baroneracing.com Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
It is 20 years since the champion trainer first landed the Grade One prize with Alexander Banquet and he has since extended his tally with the likes of Hurricane Fly (2008) and Nichols Canyon (2014).
He appeared to hold a strong hand once again, with Quick Grabim a heavily-supported even-money favourite under Ruby Walsh, despite finishing fourth behind reopposing stablemate Aramon in the For Auction Novice Hurdle at Navan three weeks ago.
Favourite Quick Grabim (EVS) wins the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh #WinterFestival pic.twitter.com/zzCu8x8sR4
— RTÉ Racing (@RTEracing) December 2, 2018
On that occasion Quick Grabim finished with a rattle from the rear, but Walsh sent his mount straight to the lead stepping up to Grade One level and steadily raised the tempo.
Commander Of Fleet and Aramon loomed up looking dangerous early in the home straight, but the further Quick Grabim went the better he looked and he passed the post three and three-quarter lengths clear of the staying-on Triplicate.
Aramon was third, with Command Of Fleet finishing last of the four runners.
Willie Mullins gives his verdict after winning the Royal Bond for the eighth time #WinterFestival pic.twitter.com/kRe1cHPrYt
— RTÉ Racing (@RTEracing) December 2, 2018
Quick Grabim carries the colours of the Worcester family made famous by 1997 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Mr Mulligan, and Mullins said: "I thought Ruby was tactically brilliant today.
"He jumped out in front and saw there was no pace. We were hoping someone else might make the pace, so Ruby made the running, slowed it down and then caught them on the hop. He had the horse to do it.
"He got him settled and Ruby had him jumping so slick and that was probably the winning of the race.
"We tried something in Navan (holding him up) and it didn't work, and he was 7lb better off today. Ruby had two plans going out and he went to Plan B as we thought the Gigginstown horse (Commander Of Fleet) might make it.
"Leopardstown is the obvious place to go after here. His owner missed her flight over today, so I better tell her to book her flight early next time!"
BoyleSports went 14-1 from 25-1 about Quick Grabim for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham, with RaceBets 20-1 from 33s.
Chief Justice got the better of a pulsating duel with stablemate Coeur Sublime to claim top honours in the 30 Euros Free Bet baroneracing.com Juvenile Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
Having beaten subsequent Royal Ascot runner-up and St Leger third Southern France on his sole Flat start before making a successful start to his jumping career at Down Royal, Coeur Sublime was the 8-11 favourite to follow up in this Grade Three contest under Bryan Cooper.
The Cheveley Park Stud-owned Chief Justice had an experience edge, having won his first three starts over hurdles before finishing second in the Wensleydale Hurdle at Wetherby and he was a 5-1 shot in the hands of Davy Russell.
It was clear on the run to the final flight that Gordon Elliott's pair had it between them and after both horses gave their all on the run-in, they flashed by the post almost as one before the judge confirmed Chief Justice the winner by a short-head.
The front-running Lever Du Soleil was best of the rest in third.
Elliott said: "The other horse (Coeur Sublime) was a bit unlucky as he got a bit under the second-last and the other lad got first run on him.
"The winner gave him 7lb so it was a fair performance. I thought Coeur Sublime was the horse to beat, but this lad (Chief Justice) is a bit of a monkey and obviously has plenty up his sleeve."
