Trainer Gordon Elliott claimed a record fourth victory in the Grade 2 Florida Pearl Novice Chase as Pencilfulloflead struck at Punchestown.
Ridden by Rachael Blackmore and sent off an 11/2 chance in light of Latest Exhibition going off the 8/11 favourite, the six-year-old jumped his rivals into submission and ultimately came home seven lengths to the good from his Paul Nolan-trained market rival.
Pencilfulloflead, who achieved bumper and novice hurdle victories at Down Royal and Punchestown respectively last season, was introduced as a 16/1 chance by Sky Bet for the RSA Chase at Cheltenham in March and becomes Elliott's fourth Florida Pearl winner after A Toi Phil (2016), Jury Duty (2017) and Battleoverdoyen 12 months ago.
Elliott said: "The softer the ground the better for him and there is more to come over three miles. He’ll be entered for the three miles Grade 1 at Leopardstown over Christmas but if it was very testing at Limerick he could go for the two and a half miles Grade 1.”
Winning jockey Blackmore said: “It was a very good performance. He’s a real stayer and he needed to be out there today.
“He was a little tight to the third last but I gave him a little squeeze after it to make sure the door didn’t get shut. I had plenty of horse under me and he did it really well to the line. It’s great for Brian Acheson as he’s putting a lot into the game in the Robcour colours.
“He jumps and he stays. They were Gordon’s words to me before we went out and that’s what he is. He’s a lovely horse for everyone to have.”
The Listed Frontline Security Grabel Mares Hurdle saw Willie Mullins claim a one-two as 3/1 chance Buildmeupbuttercup, ridden by Paul Townend, edged out even-money favourite Elimay under Mark Walsh.
There was just a nose between them at the line, with 12 lengths back to Elliott's Black Tears (4/1) in third.
“Fitness probably just won it on the day. Paul had to go when he did but he’d prefer to wait longer. She stuck her head out on the line,” said Mullins.
“It’s good to know she can stay that sort of trip on this ground. She’s had a busy season and I’ll have to have a think about where she goes next. I don’t want to run her again soon.
“Elimay will mix it over fences and hurdles. It was hard to take it up so far out having her first run of the season but she was very unlucky."
The opening Ryans Cleaning Handicap Chase went to the Tom Mullins-trained 7/1 shot Chavi Artist under conditional Jack Foley who was enjoying his second winner in the saddle.
The winning trainer said: “He was threatening to win one on his last few runs. Discordantly got away on him in Galway and he would have been a good bit closer only for that. He was first reserve in the Troytown last week but didn’t get in.
“He’s a small horse but is a great jumper and Jack was great on him for a young lad and so inexperienced. He had point-to-point experience and that’s his first winner as a professional.
“He’s such a fresh horse he might take his chance in the Porterstown in Fairyhouse. Hopefully we’ll have the same rider if he can do the weight.”
Foley ended on a high after bringing up a double on Grand Partner.
A former showjumper and amateur jockey, Foley, 21, said: "I’m with Tom full-time and only had two rides as a professional before today."
Mullins said: “Jack was with me five years ago as an apprentice and rode Fosters Cross at Dundalk. He’s come back to me this summer and is a different man altogether now.
“He said he’d do anything to have a crack at being a jockey. He’s put in a lot of work, I’ve given him his opportunity and it’s working out.”
Grand Partner came with a late rattle to win the Guinness Handicap Hurdle at 33/1.
Mullins said: “It was a lovely race for him and even though it was right-handed, I let him take his chance. Most of his wins were at Leopardstown or left-handed tracks.
“It’s a bit of a surprise, but he’s been working well since his last run. He’s come down in the weights and Jack was good on him.”