Alain Cawley made a welcome return from injury in the best possible fashion when partnering Far Away So Close to make all in division one of the two mile maiden hurdle.

Cawley, having his first ride since dislocating a shoulder in a fall at Killarney in August, popped the gelding out in front from the drop of the tape and the well-backed 13/8 (from 9/4) second favourite stayed on well in the straight to beat Apt Manor by two and a half lengths. Riverstown the 6/4 favourite, was unable to find an extra gear before two out and plugged on one paced a further eight lengths back in third. He was reported to be lame behind afterwards.

Fifth placed Rheinland caught the eye of the stewards with jockey Paddy Flood cautioned to be stronger in his riding in the closing stages.

Winning trainer Paul Nolan said, “He always seemed to make a mistake at a crucial stage before. He should stay a bit further than two miles and is from the family of Newmill.”