Dual Cheltenham Festival scorer Sir Gerhard returned to winning ways when easily landing the Bar One Racing Hurdle at Cork.

With regular rider Paul Townend on duty at Fairyhouse, Sean O'Keeffe stepped in for the plum ride on the 1-5f. Keeping it simple from the outset, O'Keeffe, himself a Cheltenham winner, tracked leader Call Me Lyreen for much of the contest.

Moving up to lead early in the straight, the nine-year-old fended off the latter horse but was quickly joined by the staying on Maidenstreetprince on the run to two out. However, the latter horse appeared to be coming under pressure when taking a crashing fall at that obstacle.

Sir Gerhard was left with an unassailable lead, with O'Keeffe able to ease him down before coming home 12 lengths clear of runner-up Sempo

Winning rider Sean O'Keeffe said: "He retains plenty ability, is a very good horse and it was a nice race for him, dropping back in trip, today. He made a mistake down the back straight but jumped well and has his own way of doing it.

"The Stayers Hurdle trip stretches him a bit and that two-miles in that grade was no problem. I have ridden him plenty at home and he always works well enough so it is nice to get another win into him."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes