Day three of the Christmas festivals began in familiar circumstances with Willie Mullins saddling an across the card double. Another French-import and odds-on shot, Montalbano added to Coquin Mans gains at Limerick, by taking the At The Races Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown under Ruby Walsh.

Walsh asked the Mrs Susannah Ricci-owned Montalbano to go and win his race from before the final flight.

A very experienced sort on the level, and already placed at Listed level over flights in France, the Monsieur Bond gelding was soon in front on his way to a two and three parts of a length dismissal of Youcannotbeserious (7s into 5s).

"He was quite keen last week at home and I wanted to get him settled. He jumped super, travelled well and ultimately won well," said Walsh on the four-year-old, victorious with the aid of a hood.

(AM & EM)