Argentino and Bryan Cooper lead I Knew Well as Tippmanboy chases© Photo Healy Racing
Willie Mullins landed the Surehaul Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle for the third year running as Roi Des Frances outstayed his rivals in the Grade Three feature at Clonmel.
One of three runners for owners Gigginstown House Stud, the 2-1 favourite travelled well throughout and looked to be going best approaching the last alongside with Fine Article
A bad blunder put paid to the latter's chances and allowed Bryan Cooper's mount to stretch two and a quarter lengths clear on the run in.
Mullins, Cooper and Gigginstown were also on the mark in the opening Surehaul Race Day Maiden Hurdle with 7-2 shot Argentino
11-8 favourite I Knew Well moved smoothly into the lead off the home turn but the winner was right on his shoulder and was pushed out for a convincing five-length success after jumping into the lead at the last.
The champion trainer completed a treble on the day when Turban (5-2) bounced back to form in the Patsy O'Brien (Glenduff) Memorial Chase.
Stepping up in trip, the Edward O'Connell-owned gelding was given a patient ride by Ruby Walsh and came through to pick of long-time leader Rubi Light for a three-and-a-half-length success.< Dalmatia (5-2fav) built on an encouraging National Hunt debut to land the Kilsheelan Mares Maiden Hurdle in facile fashion.
A staying-on third at Leopardstown last month, the former Sir Michael Stoute inmate was sent straight to the front by Adrian Heskin this time and ran out a dominant six-and-a-half-length winner from Blazing West < Tb Broke Her sprang a 33-1 surprise in the Minorstown Handicap Hurdle as she edged out Visible Light by half a length, while Coolaghknock Glebe justified 3-1 favouritism by 10 lengths from Ibetellingyoualie in the Derrygrath Novice Handicap Chase.< Wish Ye Didnt unseated her rider at the last fence in the Woodrooff Maiden Hunters Chase which enabled Jack Aboo to scoop top honours in the finale.
The tiring winner held a narrow advantage when that rival departed, and was all out to hold the fast-finishing Court Frontier (6-4fav) by half a length
