Paul Townend eased back into action after an injury lay-off with a comfortable victory on Blazing Tempo in the Follow Nina Carberry On Twitter Rated Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
The champion jockey, who last rode on December 4 after suffering a hairline collarbone fracture, had a minor scare when the Galway Plate winner made a mess of the third-last on her return to the smaller obstacles.
But she was soon back on an even keel and it was plain sailing as Willie Mullins' classy chaser (1-2 favourite) joined long-time leader Dooney Rock at the second-last and forged clear to win by three and three-quarter lengths.
Townend doubled up on his only other ride when Up The Beat landed his first victory with a smooth success in the New Value Hospitality Packages At Fairyhouse Beginners Chase.
Mullins' 9-4 shot eased in 11 lengths clear, though his task was made easier when favourite Dantes King who was looming up dangerously, made a hash of the second-last fence.< Perfect Smile held some useful form in top company over hurdles and Noel Meade's six-year-old had little trouble translating his class to fences in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase.
Paul Carberry eased the 4-6 favourite into contention two out and though he wasn't particulraly fluent at the last, he was able to coast clear to score by three and a quarter lengths.
Andrew Lynch sent Bay Of Kotor (5-1) into the lead approaching the last in the Fairyhouse Membership 2012 Handicap Hurdle and John Larkin's five-year-old held Ferry Point by three-quarters of a length.< Rourke's Cross (11-8) looked in trouble on the home bend in the Christmas Party Raceday At Fairyhouse Maiden Hurdle, but Charlie Swan's five-year-old stayed on to such effect that he led going to the last and scored by seven lengths under David Casey.
