The success of the long-absent Colonel Yeager in the Mount Leinster Hurdle was the highlight of a feature-race double for Ruby Walsh at Gowran Park yesterday.
The seven year-old had been off the track for the best part of two years and was having his first start for the rider's father Ted, following former trainer Martin Lynch's decision to retire.
Always travelling well, the winner looked to have taken the measure of favourite Moscow Flyer when that rival blundered badly at the final flight, leaving him to coast home 4 1/2 lengths clear.
A crack at next week's Shell Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown may be next on the agenda for Colonel Yeager. 'We'll see how he is in the morning first,' said Walsh snr.
Micko's Dream had earlier initiated the jockey's brace with a game victory in the Callan Chase, holding the late effort of Foxchapel King after taking up the running two from home.
'He'll probably go to Fairyhouse next week for what was the Heineken Gold Cup on Wednesday or the Irish Independent Chase on Tuesday. The latter event is over two miles but I wouldn't be concerned about dropping him down in trip,' said delighted trainer Willie Mullins.
Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood had his colours carried to victory by Zayta in the Bennettsbridge Beginners' Chase. Jessica Harrington's filly is another likely to head for next week's big meeting at Fairyhouse.
Harrington was on the mark again later with 14/1 shot Spirit Leader taking the bumper, while Kieran Gaule also bagged a double, scoring aboard That's The Goose and Josie Murphy.
Shaiyran, backed from 5/1 to 3/1 favourite, took advantage of a last-flight mistake by Itstheotherhorse to bring off a gamble in the Kilkenny Handicap Hurdle.
