Ireland’s tally of winners at the Cheltenham festival is up to eight after Benefficient (20/1) rallied gamely to lower the colours of Dynaste in the Jewson Novices' Chase, the opening race on the third day at Prestbury Park.
Tony Martin's seven year old had been mixing it in the top company for much of the season and proved that his victory in the Irish Arkle (where only one other rival completed) was no fluke in this Grade Two contest registered as the Golden Miller Novices' Chase.
Wearing a hood for the first time, Bryan Cooper gave him a positive ride but the writing looked to be on the wall as Dynaste moved easily to the front approaching two out with Captain Conan in second.
Cooper threw everything at his mount who responded gamely and Dynaste had no answer having been headed jumping the last.
The well-backed favourite - who was re-routed from the RSA Chase - did pull clear of the weakening Captain Conan who was collared for third by rank outsider Changing Times and Module who finished fourth.
Ruby Walsh and Marito took a heavy fall at the second last while Willie Mullins' other runner, Aupcharlie, never travelled as well as he had down earlier this season.
Holywell broke a frustrating run of second place finishes where it mattered most when holding on to win the Pertemps Final.
Trainer Jonjo O’Neill was opening his account for the week and he was steered to victory by Richie McLernon, who would not have been able to believe how well he was going turning into the straight.
He joined the hard-ridden Berties Dream and scooted five lengths clear but Captain Sunshine was staying on from the rear to throw down a challenge.
The 25-1 shot idled a little in front but not enough to enable Captain Sunshine to finish anything better than a length and a half down at the line.
Jetson was third and the winner’s stablemate, Shutthefrontdoor, in fourth.
Cue Card made all to claim a second Festival success for Colin and Joe Tizzard in the Ryanair Chase.
Winner of the Champion Bumper three years ago, Cue Card was well in control from the top of the hill and easily held favourite First Lieutenant by nine lengths at odds of 7-2.
For Non Stop hung on gamely for third, a further three and a quarter lengths adrift, with last year’s winner Riverside Theatre fourth after flying up the hill.
Carrickboy made just about every yard to land the Byrne Group Plate.
Venetia Williams’s charge finished sixth in the race last year but was allowed to go off at odds of 50-1 in the hands of Liam Treadwell.
He rode an excellent race from the front but trainer David Pipe appeared to hold the upper hand as his pair of Matuhi and favourite Ballynagour were lining up in behind to challenge.
However, Treadwell had conserved a little energy and pushed on again with only Vino Griego pursuing him.
The runner-up tried his best but Carrickboy proved too strong, winning by a length and a half from Vino Griego with Tartak third and top weight Hunt Ball staying on for fourth.
There was drama before the off, too, as leading fancy Cantlow was withdrawn at the start after bleeding from the nose while Mad Moose refused to jump off.
