The Willie Mullins-trained Clondaw Warrior proved a class apart from his opponents in the Jim Strang & Sons Kilsheelan (Peugeot) Hurdle at Clonmel.
The Galway Hurdle hero is a past winner of the Ascot Stakes over two and a half miles on the level so his stamina for the three miles shouldn't have been an issue, and Ruby Walsh was content to watch on from some way back as Val De Ferbet and Taglietelle cut out the running.
The 5-6 favourite made effortless headway to hit the front at the last and didn't have to engage top gear to stroll five and a half lengths clear of Val de Ferbet.< Crack Mome was backed as if defeat was out of the question in the Clonmel Maiden Hurdle and he delivered with the minimum of fuss.
Mullins' French import took it up between the last two and had the measure of nearest pursuer Blast Of Koeman when he crashed out at the last, allowing the 30-100 favourite to come home three and a quarter lengths ahead of Coquine D'Aunou.
Mullins was fancied to claim the Next Meeting Thursday February 2nd (Q.R.) (C & G) Maiden Hurdle with Pylonthepressure but the 1-3 market leader couldn't get to grips with five-length scorer Kagney (3-1).< Smadynium continued his excellent run of form with an all-the-way win in the Club Stand Restaurant Handicap Chase.
Rachael Blackmore dictated terms so suit herself on the 3-1 favourite, who jumped and galloped his rivals into submission, defeating Simple Steps by eight lengths.< Powersbomb got rid of Mikey Fogarty on his first crack at fences but jumped better in front in the Clonmel Racecourse Supporters Club Only 90 Beginners Chase and saw off Laid Back Luke by a length at odds of 14-1.< The Irregular (8-1) got off the mark for Denis Hogan in the Powerstown Handicap Hurdle, while Bobbythegangster (8-1) took the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.
