Review LEOPARDSTOWN 29TH DEC

Istabraq returned to winning ways on his seasonal debut in the Tote December Festival Hurdle but the manner of his narrow success over a gallant Bust Out wasn't all that convincing in some quarters.

The contest lost Liss A Paoraigh (10/3) when John Kiely's mare fell at the second flight causing Barry Geraghty, aboard the chasing Bust Out, to perform heroics to stay in the plate.

Aerleon Pete, also owned by J.P.McManus, set a steady gallop from the outset and when Istabraq took closer order after the 4th last he dived at the next giving his supporters a moments worry.

Bust Out swept through to lead over the penultimate flight closely tracked by Aidan O'Brien's 4/11 favourite and the race developed into a match after the home turn.

Istabraq, who safely negotiated the flight that caught him out twice in the past, held a slight advantage and kept on under hands and heels to defeat a brave Bust Out by a head.

'I was a bit too long at the third last but he's as good as ever,' remarked Charlie Swan while owner J.P.McManus said, 'I must admit my heart missed a beat at the third last when he made that mistake.'

A relieved Aidan O'Brien said,'It was important he got round and came back in one piece and I'm happy about that.'

On future plans the normal Cheltenham route of taking in the AIG Irish Champion Hurdle on the way might not happen. 'It's a strong possibility he'll go straight to Cheltenham but we'll have to wait and see,' said O'Brien.

Bookmakers, who left Istabraq unchanged at a best price 5/4 with Cashmans for the Champion Hurdle, were on the receiving end of a blow in the opener when Phariwarmer justified strong market support on his chasing debut.

Supported at 10/1 before racing and from 6/1 on course, Arthur Moore's gelding jumped impeccably throughout for Conor O'Dwyer and battled well after the last to outgun Beausheram (3/1jf). Be My Royal (3/1jf) fell at the second.

'I was very happy with him and fences is going to be his game. I'm sure he'll stay three miles and he may come back here in a fortnight for a winners race,' said Moore afterwards.

Pat Hughes captured the training honours with a double sparked off with well-backed pillar-to-post winner Rule Supreme (4/1-11/4f) to complete a brace also for Charlie Swan before Pollster justified favouritism for Steven Curtis.

Curragh trainer Michael Halford who enjoyed a wonderful flat season, saddled his first winner over fences when Monks Error, formerly trained by Frank Berry, scored a runaway success in the Tote Exacta Handicap Chase.

Beechcourt (4/7-1/2f) was all the rage for the concluding bumper but he had no answer trailing in last behind front-running Ar Muin Na Muice (10/1-8/1) who made all under trainer/rider Caroline Hutchinson.