< War Of Attrition took another positive step along the comeback trail with a smooth-as-silk victory in the Thurles Chase.
The 2006 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero returned from a long lay-off to win at Punchestown last month and was sent off the 2-7 favourite to follow up.
Settled in second for much of the way by Davy Russell and jumping beautifully, War Of Attrition took charge after the fourth-last and had no trouble in beating Carrigeen Kalmia by eight lengths.
Trainer Mouse Morris was not getting carried away and intends seeing how his star comes out of the race before looking at the next target, with the John Durkan and the Betfair Chase among the possibles.< Footy Facts showed useful form over hurdles and took the larger obstacles in his stride as he landed the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase.
The 5-4 favourite had leader Carrigeen King in his sights from four out and went on with two to jump to score by seven lengths under Philip Enright. Trainer Robert Tyner plans to step him up to Grade One company next.
Ruby Walsh showed the way home to his rivals in the Killinan Beginners Chase on the Willie Mullins-trained Financial Reward
The 9-2 shot gradually saw off the opposition until only Helvic Head remained a danger, and after they jumped the last virtually together, Financial Reward eased away to score by a length and three-quarters.< Dunroe Lady ended a frustrating run of seconds by winning the Templemore Mares Maiden Hurdle.
Ian McCarthy always had Adrian Sexton's 6-1 shot in the first two and sent her on nearing the home turn, where the distress signals were going out behind her.
She was five lengths up jumping the last and was eased down on the run-in to beat Alpine Glade by a comfortable four lengths.
Backers of Arkmore Radar (13-2) had a few anxious moments as Eddie Power looked for room between the last two flights in the Holycross Handicap Hurdle.
But once he got in the clear, Moses McCabe's charge quickened up nicely and went away to win by four and a half lengths.
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