After winning the previous contest with Stay Humble Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins completed a short-priced double, as Epswell took the Student Day 27th September Maiden Hurdle.

Placed on two of his three starts in France, the four-year-old gelding was expected to get off the mark this evening, and was sent off the 4/9 favourite.

Prominent throughout, the son of Coastal Path held a definite advantage before the last, and was pushed out on the run-in to prevail by a length and three parts. Melly And Me (3/1) finished second under Jonathan Moore for Noel Meade, while Ozzie's Way was five lengths back in third.

The winner is owned by Audrey and Greg Turley from Dublin, who also have Sayar in training with Mullins.

That one has been held up a little through injury, but is expected to be back on track soon.

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards interviewed Denis Gerard Hogan, trainer, concerning the failure to nominate a rider before the designated time for Ozzie's Way. Evidence was heard from the trainer who stated that he is now operating without a riders' agent and that on this occassion, at declaration time, he mistook the number of runners he had for this evening's meeting. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that D.G. Hogan was in breach of Rule 195 (i) and Regulation 3, in that he had failed to nominate a rider at the designated time. Having considered his previous record in this regard, the Stewards cautioned D.G. Hogan and reminded him of his responsibilities in this regard.

Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy