< Faugheen saw his bubble burst when losing his unbeaten record at the hands of stablemate Nichols Canyon in the Grade One StanJames.com Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown.

All looked to be going to plan for last season's Champion Hurdle hero as he jumped and travelled beautifully in the early exchanges but Ruby Walsh was sending out distress signals as they swung for home with Nichols Canyon still marching on out in front.

Faugheen certainly went down on his sword, throwing down a strong challenge in the closing stages, but Nichols Canyon (7-1) stays well and found plenty for pressure as he held on by half a length.< Sizing John (4-7 fav) produced foot-perfect round of steeplechasing as he readily brushed aside Lord Scoundrel in the Grade Two Ryans Cleaning Craddockstown Novice Chase.

Henry de Bromhead's charge lacked the chasing experience of his main rival but he looked a high-class prospect here, taking over after another fine jump at the fourth last before extending his advantage to eight lengths at the finish.

Recent Cheltenham winner Shantou Flyer put his previous experience to good use when coming out on top in the Grade Two Florida Pearl Novice Chase.

The 5-1 scorer was taking his record to four from seven over fences and displayed a thoroughly professional attitude in the closing stages, producing a host of accurate jumps under pressure as he held off Captain Von Trappe by a length and a quarter with Killer Miller whose jumping was erratic throughout, back in third.< Colla Pier (13-2) ran out a cosy victor of the opening Irish Daily Mirror Handicap Hurdle.

The consistent mare has been in particularly good heart of late and having travelled sweetly throughout, jumped to the front at the last before pulling three and three quarter lengths clear of Wes Hardin < Conal (3-1 co-fav) got the better of market rival Blessed King by two lengths in I.N.H Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle while the concluding Blackhills (Pro/Am) Flat Race was won by Billy's Hope (4-1).