Henry de Bromhead put behind him a poor festive period when Darby's Turn sprang a 33-1 surprise in the Blackwater Maiden Hurdle at Cork.

The County Waterford trainer has had a disappointing time, headed by Sizing Europe's under-par performance in the December Festival Hurdle.

However, he could breath a sigh of relief after Emmet Mullins got Darby's Turn home by a short head from Sports Line

"I'm relieved after the Christmas we've had but I was surprised at his price. I thought he would have been about 14-1," said de Bromhead.

"He is a fizzy horse and he ran badly the last day at Wexford the last day. I suppose the experience helped as did the change of tactics.< China Rock (3-1) took an advantage of last-flight fall by Head Of The Posse to land the McCarthy Insurance Group Hurdle.

Head Of The Posse had taken a narrow lead only to crash out, leaving Mouse Morris' charge to win by 25 lengths from Baltiman

"My fellow made a mistake at the second-last. I think he'll be a nice horse season, he's growing up all the time," said Morris.

"This is his best trip and he's overcome his run at Limerick but maybe it was too far."

Head Of The Posse's rider David Casey gave up his remaining mounts but hopes to be back in action on Sunday at Naas.< Back Of The Pack (9-1) has been in reasonable nick this winter and bounded clear of her rivals in the McCarthy Insurance Group Mares' Handicap Hurdle.

The Sean Flanagan-ridden seven-year-old assumed control before the penultimate flight and went on to beat Sher Fountin by three lengths.

Paul Townend brought Fixed Fee the 2-1 favourite, with a smooth run on the inside to lead at the last and go on to beat Thelobstercatcher by two lengths in the Kanturk Maiden Hurdle.

"I was delighted with that as he's been disappointing on the track but he shows an awful lot at home," said trainer Willie Mullins.

"I only ran him here out of despair and maybe the drying ground helped him."

Mullins completed a double when Quinola Des Obeaux (8-15), ridden by his son Patrick, spread-eagled

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