< Final Approach returned to winning ways with a commanding display in the McCarthy Insurance Group 60th Hurdle at Cork.
Although unable to make an impact in the French Champion Hurdle and Hatton's Grace on his last two starts, Willie Mullins' Pivotal gelding took full advantage of a significant ease in class.
The 30-100 favourite jumped well throughout for Ruby Walsh and although Little Green performed admirably in defeat, she finished two and three quarters of a length behind the comfortable winner.
Mullins and Walsh doubled up in the next race when Simenon was required to come out of second gear to record a bloodless success in the McCarthy Insurance Group 60th Maiden Hurdle.
Sent off the 4-6 favourite following a pleasing fifth first time out at Fairyhouse, he took it up entering the straight and pulled 23 lengths clear after jumping the last.
The Mullins hat-trick was complete when Perfect Gentleman scored under the trainer's son, Patrick, in the concluding McCarthy Insurance Group INH Flat Race.< Special Token and Belle Brook (5-1) fought out a thrilling finish to the McCarthy Insurance Mares Beginners Chase, with the latter, ridden by Davy Russell, ultimately awarded the race in the stewards' room.
Another close finish involving Russell saw Jack Absolute (10-1) and the in-form rider edge out Tinakellylad by a head in the McCarthy Insurance Group Handicap Chase.
A 311-day layoff proved no hindrance for Philip Rothwell's Ballyburke who stormed home by four and three-quarter lengths from Kildare Blowin in the McCarthy Insurance Group 60th Maiden Hurdle.< Ocean Bright maintained her good run of form with a pillar-to-post success in the McCarthy Insurance Group Mares Handicap Hurdle.
A winner on her penultimate start and third at Gowran last month, Dermot McLoughlin's 11-1 chance was given a fine front-running ride by Conor Maxwell, who guided the six-year-old to a two and a quarter-length victory over Norah Starr
