Ireland's raiding party had a perfect start on their return to the Cotswolds when the 'banker' obliged in the opener at Cheltenham today.
Like-A-Butterfly was backed like defeat was out of the question in the Gerrard Supreme Novices' Hurdle (9-4 to 7-4f) and duly obliged - although the story could have been very different but for a last flight fall by Adamant Approach.
The favourite was prominent early until Westender (6-1) took them along from before the third. The race started to unfold after three out and it was Like-A-Butterfly and Adamant Approach who moved on after the penultimate flight.
The Irish duo looked to have it between them racing to the last, with Ruby Walsh holding the slight advantage on Adamant Approach, but the leader failed to rise and left Like-A-Butterfly in the lead.
Christy Roche's mare was challenged by Westender, who threw down a renewed challenge under the McCoy drive, but Charlie Swan's mount just held too many guns and stayed on gamely for a neck victory.
Swan returned to a typically thunderous Irish reception and said afterwards: "That was great. She is a fantastic mare."
Reflecting on the last flight fall of Adamant Approach Swan said: "Ruby might have beaten me but he might also has helped me as my mare was doing nothing in front."
In Contrast (16-1 ) ran on to finish two-and-a-half lengths back in third without ever threatening the front two.