Princely Conn (Barry Geraghty, left) leads Fearachain and Alton Bay home© Photo Healy Racing
< Princely Conn (3-1) bounced back to his best to come out on top in the Clonmel Racecourse Supporters Club Guest Evening Hurdle.
Tom Mullins' seven-year-old was third in the 2014 Royal Bond but more recent performances have been less inspiring.
He had his sights lowered slightly and Barry Geraghty never let the leader Alamein get too far away before heading him at the penultimate obstacle and stretching two and a quarter lengths clear of Fearachain < Dixie Highway (7-1) took a step back in the right direction at Kilbeggan last month and confirmed that promise in the Megs 80th Celebration Handicap Hurdle.
With the second-last omitted, Mark Enright set sail for home on the long run to the final flight and he fought off Supreme Vinnie to go in by a length and three-quarters.< Sarah Joyce has progressed with every run since going jumping and broke through in the Ancient East Mares Maiden Hurdle.
The 9-2 chance was pressed firstly by Artists Daughter and then by Emma Beag over the last two flights, but kept going well for Mark Walsh to pass the post three-quarters of a length in front.
The application of cheekpieces helped Black Warrior land the Clonacody (C & G) Maiden Hurdle in impressive fashion.
Davy Russell made his move two out on the 7-2 shot and he quickened away from his rivals well to hand out an 11-length beating to Walkers Point < You Can't Catch Me (8-1) pipped Cloudy Morning in division one of the Sliabh Na mBan Handicap Hurdle, while Anna Holty (11-1) just denied the brave Final Boru in the second instalment and then survived a stewards' inquiry.
Rachael Blackmore's stock continues to rise and the 7lb claimer was seen to excellent effect to get Oisin James (9-2) home in the Quirke uPVC Windows (Clonmel) Handicap Hurdle.
