Davy Russell landed a treble at Galway in the Gigginstown House Stud colours highlighted by the ready victory of Shrapnel in the feature Faber Audiovisuals Ballybrit Novice Chase.

Gordon Elliott's charge was sent off the 5-4 favourite to remain unbeaten over fences after his victory at Fairyhouse earlier this month, and he was always prominent in the Grade Three contest.

The seven-year-old led after five out and Russell looked in control of the situation thereafter as Clar Na Mionn and Six Stone Ned gave chase, passing the post with two and a half lengths to spare from the former.

The betting suggested defeat was out of the question for Punchestown bumper winner Very Wood on his jumps debut in the Corrib Oil Maiden Hurdle, and the four-year-old never gave supporters a moment's worry.

Russell allowed him to stride on going out on to the final circuit and Noel Meade's 2-11 favourite jumped the last flight with a clear advantage over Blow The Doors Off before winning by three and a half lengths.

The jockey also scored when the Philip Fenton-trained Band Of Blood (evens favourite) eased into the lead after the second-last and quickly asserted to take the Barna Waste Rated Novice Hurdle by an easy eight lengths.

There was a nice pot on offer for the Sanserv Handicap Hurdle and it was won by the Dessie Hughes-trained 4-1 chance Nearly Nama'd after a war of attrition in the testing conditions.

Bryan Cooper led all the way in the JP McManus colours and after seeing off the challenge of favourite Maxim Gorky the five-year-old then had to pull out all the stops to hold Holeinthewall Bar by a length.

Michael Hourigan's 11-4 shot Aerlite Supreme four times second last season, dug deep on the run-in under Adrian Heskin to hold the persistent challenge of Sonny B by a head in the CCTV Venue Control Maiden Hurdle.

Martin Cullinane's Georgie (100-30) cleared away from the last under Danny Mullins to win the Renvyle House Hotel Handicap Chase by 11 lengths.