Davy Russell made a triumphant return to the track on Siegemaster in the Casey Enterprise Chase at Wexford.
The rider sat out Friday after hurting his thumb in a fall at Thurles on Thursday, but he wasted no further time in getting back in the groove.
Russell enjoyed an armchair round as Siegemaster (8-11) made a pleasing start to his second season over the larger obstacles. Leading two out, he easily beat Tasman by four and a half lengths.
"It's nice to get that over with. We might go for a second season novice in Down Royal now," said trainer Dessie Hughes.< Huckle Buck Shoe (5-1) opened his account over jumps with a smooth win under Paul Townend in the Fred Curtis Crystal Maiden Hurdle.
Leading before the last, he beat Royal Luck by one and three-quarter lengths.
"I'm surprised he won on that ground because it seems quite soft," said trainer Willie Mullins.
"We might put him away now because I don't think he's a winter horse. However, if the ground stays nice we might continue on. He should make a nice chaser as he is a fine big horse."
Nina Carberry brought Arabella Boy the well-backed 6-4 favourite, home as a four-length winner of the Wexford Racecourse Supporters Club Maiden Hurdle for trainer Enda Bolger.
"He is a nice little horse. He is an obvious chaser but he's a bit young for fences (has won a point-to-point) and he'll wait until next season for that," he said.< Printing Copper (10-1), ridden by Donal Macauley, led two out and kept on stoutly to beat Assigh Pearl by a length in the Wexford Racecourses Supporters Club Mares Hurdle.
"Her half-brother is Copper Bleu, who finished fourth in the Supreme Novices this year, and won at Punchestown for Philip Hobbs. This mare will go chasing eventually," said trainer Donal Coffey.
