Blanchardstown M´dn H´dle of €8,500.00 5-y-o plus 2m.

1st - €5,873.50, 2nd - €1,445.00, 3rd - €680.00, 4th - €425.00 16 Ran
A change in tactics helped Taipan's Way step up considerably on his Thurles hurdle debut last month as the bumper winner made all for an impressive success. A big chasing type and described as a nice staying novice chase prospect for next season by his trainer, he surprised Willie Mullins with the ease of victory here over the minimum trip.

A group of five pulled clear of the remainder from halfway in a race run in persistent heavy rain, and Ruby Walsh's mount settled the issue when just shaken up after two out. The market spoke in favour of Gloonan Hill (5/2-7/4) but he was readily outpaced by the winner, and a return to two and a half miles should suit.

Farinelli won a Cork Listed race over a mile as a 3yo for John Oxx and is well served by soft ground. He travelled as well as anything here until three out but was a spent force after the next. A modest hurdle success is obviously well within his compass but he'll struggle to get home in better company.

Foretto was another going well approaching three out but the lack of an outing in ten months soon took its toll. However this was a very promising hurdle debut for the Down Royal bumper winner and, with the benefit of this experience, should be winning soon.

Wara Mountain was the only other one to get into the race. He dropped away from the leaders after three out but still stayed on one paced to yet again get a minor share of the money. He is still to win over hurdles in 23 attempts but surely can be placed to gain a well deserved success.

Banjoman burst a blood vessel.