The 22-runner Martinstown Opportunity Series Final Handicap Hurdle looked an ultra competitive affair but Kells Castle stamped his authority on proceedings in some style at Punchestown on Saturday.

The Francis Crowley-trained gelding was sent on at the third last by Roger Loughran and soon had his rivals struggling.

The four-year-old stayed on strongly in the straight to gain a comfortable two-and-a-half length victory from Mahdi De Coeur.

'We used to think he wanted soft ground but he definitely seems to go well on good and he appreciates that extra half mile. He will have a break now and the plan long-term is to go chasing,' said Crowley.

The opening RFL Steel Hurdle produced a thrilling finish with Drummer First powering home in the closing stages to collar Connaught Hall.

John Cullen took over from the injured Denis O'Regan, on Drummer First, and got a good tune out of the gelding after the last to get up in the shadow of the post for a head victory.

'I couldn't understand his run at Fairyhouse last time - we'll just have to put it down as an off day. We'll probably put him away for the summer now and the plan is to go chasing next season,' said winning trainer John Kiely.

Cullen went on the secure a double when Dix Villez claimed the Punchestown Three Day Event Handicap Chase.

Paul Nolan's gelding was left clear at the last, by the fall of Mac Robin, but had to battle to hold the late run of Glenfolan by a length.

'He wants good ground and is a summer horse pure and simple. He will go for races like the Midlands National (at Kilbeggan) and we could be thinking of the Galway Plate if he keeps improving,' said Nolan.

Three of the principals were taken out of The Evening Racemeeting in May Novice Hurdle but it produced a great finish nonetheless with Sir Overbury holding the persistent challenge of Chelsea Harbour by a neck.

Robbie Power sent the 2/1f into the lead before the last but was followed closely by Chelsea Harbour and had to pull out all the stops to repel that rival.

'He really wants three miles on that ground. If something suitable comes up he may run again,' said winning trainer Danny O'Connell.

Power stood himself down for the rest of the day with a hip injury after the victory and Andrew McNamara took over on Game Ball Ali in the Panoramic Restaurant Handicap Hurdle.

It was McNamara's first mount for trainer Michael Halford and the pair clicked instantly as the 5/1f went on before the third last to secure a comfortable length-and-a-half victory over Proud To Be Irish.

'He handled the better ground well and jumped well. He'll mix it now between Flat and hurdles,' said Halford.

Trainer Eric McNamara reckoned the better ground was responsible for the improvement in form of Mareoflot, who ran out a comfortable winner of the Two Mile House Novice Handicap Chase at odds of 20/1.

Cinnamon Toast flashed home on the outside to pip long-time leader Glann Boy in the first division of the bumper while Twostrongmen repelled the late challenged of Colonel Arthur in the second division.