Gordon Elliott pulled level with Willie Mullins on seven winners for the week at the Cheltenham Festival as Farclas claimed the JCB Triumph Hurdle.
Elliott drew a blank on day one of the Festival but bagged trebles on both Wednesday and Tuesday, and made the perfect start to Gold Cup Friday as the grey Farclas stormed to victory under Jack Kennedy at 9/1.
The Gigginstown-owned gelding was reversing Leopardstown form from last month with the Mullins-trained Mr Adjudicator (8/1), who filled the runner-up spot from his stable companion and 33/1 outsider Sayo.
Stormy Ireland, who set the pace under Noel Fehily, fell heavily at the last moments after being headed by the first two, while the disappointment of the race was well-backed favourite Apple's Shakira, who was keen in the early stages for Barry Geraghty and looked short of pace when it mattered most, before finishing fourth.
Stormy Ireland also pulled for her head early on and took the field along from Sussex Ranger, with Apple's Shakira tanking along behind the leaders and eventual winner Farclas tucked in behind.
Kennedy brought his mount with a challenge towards the stands' side after straightening for home and despite briefly having his run checked, went into the lead approaching the last and held on well from the rallying runner-up by a length and three quarters.
Sky Bet make Farclas 25/1 for next year's Champion Hurdle.
Kennedy said of the winner: "He's been running very well in his last two races and improving all the time. Gordon had him spot on today. He (Elliott) has done so well with these horses - it's unreal. He just leaves no stone unturned, his attention to detail is second to none."
🇮🇪 It's the 16th Irish trained winner from the 22 races so far! 😱
— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 16, 2018
Farclas takes the JCB Triumph Hurdle pic.twitter.com/5C0sSRpk0x
Elliott said: "It's great, we're having an unbelievable week. I keep saying to the staff and owners that it's unbelievable, and it's a big thanks to everyone.
"On his first run he was beaten in a Grade Two, then he was beaten in a Grade One by the second (Mr Adjudicator), so there was only a good jump between them and the Irish form stood up."
Gigginstown boss Michael O'Leary said: "I was very surprised as I didn't think the fillies (Apple's Shakira and Stormy Ireland) would be beaten today, but they both pulled very badly all the way round.
"He's only run twice and been beaten twice, so it's one of those nice days where if he hadn't have won, we'd have kept him a novice for next year, but we're very, very happy to win the Triumph with him. He settled and he's getting stronger and stronger. Gordon has always loved him."
Henderson of Apple's Shakira, who was losing her perfect record at Cheltenham: "She was far too keen. We will put a hood on her and aim her for Aintree now."
