Liss A Paoraigh got the better of a great scrap with Limestone Lad to capture the 2m4f Lismullen Hurdle before a large crowd at Navan.
James Bowe's charge adopted his customary role at the head of affairs, but despite a couple of fine leaps down the far side he was never really able to slip his field.
Patiently ridden by Charlie Swan, the mare improved to stalk the 9/10 favourite from the turn-in, before taking it up approaching the final flight and holding her rival's renewed challenge by 1 1/2 lengths.
'I didn't think she'd win to be honest, so you'd have to be pleased with that' said delighted trainer John Kiely of his charge, now a 12/1 chance for the Stayers Hurdle in March.
That race is her long-term target, but more immediately next month's Hatton's Grace Hurdle will be considered.
Micko's Dream gave his lucky owners another big payday when battling gamely to deny last year's winner Native Upmanship in the Fortria Chase.
The well-supported 11/10 favourite jumped superbly for Paul Carberry, and had enough in reserve to register a length verdict at the line.
'The Champion Chase at Cheltenham is the long-term objective but we don't know yet whether he's good enough,' said Willie Mullins afterwards.
'He'll run next in either the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown or the Morris Oil Chase at Clonmel,' continued the handler, adding that Florida Pearl is firmly on course for next Saturday's Champion Chase at Down Royal.
Golden Row extended his tremendous sequence of victories when justifying cramped odds in the opening three-runner For Auction Maiden Hurdle.
The rangy seven year-old was never in danger of defeat, but did just needed to be ridden out to hold nearest rival Lord Edwards Army by 2 1/2 lengths.
Fairyhouse's Royal Bond Novice Hurdle is next on the winner's agenda. 'He was in front far too soon today, and was just idling after the last,' said trainer Charles Byrnes.
Frances Crowley, whose Sackville won the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby, had minutes earlier been on the mark when four year-old Golden Storm made an impressive fencing debut in the beginners chase.
