Quadco came back to form with devastating effect when running away with the featured GPT Handicap in front of 15,971 racegoers on day one of the Festival.
Peter Fahey, who returned recently from work riding in the United States, set the former top class bumper horse alight in the dip and quickly stretched clear to beat Rathbawn Prince by 14L.
'He's had so many injuries since winning the bumper at Aintree over two years ago that we were starting to lose faith, but he was right back to his best today,' said trainer Pat Fahy.
He added: 'Nearly every run he's returned with an injury, and it's been very frustrating. If he's okay after this then he could go for a 2m2f handicap hurdle on Sunday.'
The 25/1 (paid e56.70 on the Tote) shock victory of Avena Sativa in the 12f handicap greatly contributed to the jackpot pool of e42,427 being carried forward to tomorrow evening.
You could almost hear a pin drop in the grandstand as the Helen Keohane-ridden filly headed the well-backed fav Lowlander inside the final furlong to score by 2L.
'The step up to 12f made the difference, and she'll probably run again under a penalty at Cork on Sunday. She's a big, rangy filly, and should improve further in time,' said trainer Dick Donohoe.
Macha Rua carried the only jackpot unit in the final leg (1m handicap) but she finished a remote 11th as Langkawi Bay (Wayne Lordan) touched off Red Strand by 1/2L.
J P McManus didn't have to wait long this week before his famous colours were carried to victory as Puck Out (Paul Moloney) led after two out to beat Nonchalant by 5L in the maiden hurdle.
'He lacks a bit of size, and to be honest I was hopeful rather than confident. He got a lovely run through the race,' said trainer Christy Roche.
The same owner/trainer combined to land the bumper with Wouldn't You Agree, striding clear in the straight to beat Laurel View by 6L.
Dermot Weld looked sure to supplement his great record in the opening night 2yo maiden when Faadhil cruised to the front at the home bend.
However Pat Smullen's mount failed to find as much under pressure as expected, and was collared close home by newcomer Abunawwas (Declan McDonogh).
Consalvo swooped late under Kieran Kelly in the handicap hurdle, finishing best up the far rail to deny Nuzum Road Makers by 3/4L.
Alan Magee
