< Torphichen confirmed the promise of his first run over fences to go one better at Clonmel to continue trainer Edward O'Grady's fine run.

Successful with Tranquil Sea in the John Durkan Chase at Fairyhouse the day before, O'Grady has Leopardastown at Christmas in mind for the Andrew McNamara-ridden five-year-old.

Runner-up to the Willie Mullins-trained Quel Esprit, Torphichen showed he had benefited from the experience.

Leading two out, the 8-11 favourite sealed victory with a superb jump at the last to beat Mullins' representative Cadspeed by three and a half lengths in the Chris "Hopper" McGrath 80th Birthday Beginners Chase.

O'Grady said: "If he comes out of this okay he'll go for the big two miler (the Bord na Mona With Nature Novice Chase) at Leopardstown.

"I was disappointed that he got beaten at Limerick (by Quel Esprit) but I'd say that'll turn out to be as good a beginners chase as you'll see all season.

"I decided to put the cheek-pieces on him today because when he hit the front two out at Limerick he started to look around him.

"I hope he'll be an Arkle horse."

The well-backed 5-4 favourite Quito De La Roque outstayed Time Electric to win the Kilsheelan Beginners Chase for trainer Colm Murphy and jockey Davy Russell.

Murphy said: "He is in a couple of novices over Christmas and we'll have to see as that may come a bit too soon.

"He has plenty of options anyway and the further they go and the softer the ground the better for him."< Lonesome Dove (8-1) kept going really well from before the last to see off Evesham Star by three lengths in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle.

"She was a good jumper but she got a fright at Listowel and it has taken her a while to get it together again," said trainer Charlie Swan.

Tracey Collins's Kristal Komet (5-1) took the Powerstown 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle after her nearest challenger Wealdmore Wave came down at the second last while Patrick Mangan produced Yeoman (9-1) in the closing stages to take the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle for tr