Tony Martin's Dedigout came home best of all to win a thrilling Cathal Ryan Memorial Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.
Davy Russell's mount (100-30) was one of four who jumped the final flight in unison but the Tony Martin-trained runner powered home up the run-in to score.
Philip Hobbs' Colour Squadron(11-2) was held up for a long way but looked likely to win approaching the last obstacle, however he could find no more late on and was beaten into second.
Dessie Hughes' Lyreen Legend was third (9-2), ahead of Rebel Fitz in fourth.
Willie Mullins is having a fine Punchestown Festival, but his 9-4 favourite Felix Yonger could only finish fifth after a bad mistake two flights from home.
Martin said: "I had intended to run him in the three-mile race but the two bosses (Michael and Eddie O'Leary) thought it would be better to run in this.
"He missed every hurdle at Naas but things worked out today.
"He jumps his hurdles big and safe and looks a nice prospect for chasing. He should develop into a nice staying chaser."
Russell said: "I'm over the moon, all credit goes to Tony Martin.
"I felt that he'd had enough after he ran at Naas and we worked him a few times and he disappointed.
"Then Tony put a tongue-tie on him and we rode him with a little bit of patience and he has transformed from being a bad jumper to a good jumper that stays very well on heavy ground. It's very pleasing."
