< The Midnight Club further strengthened his Grand National claims by landing the At The Races Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse for Willie Mullins.

The Thyestes Chase runner-up travelled kindly for Paul Townend but looked at the mercy of fellow Aintree aspirant Oscar Time heading to the final fence.

But the latter did not find as much off the bridle as expected and it was The Midnight Club (11-10 favourite) who found most to secure a length victory over his stable companion Arbor Supreme

Mullins said: "I'm happy with both horses. The Midnight Club came on nicely from his Thyestes run and it is nice to see Arbor Supreme come back into a bit of form.

"The Midnight Club probably showed normal improvement from his first run of the season and we're now happy that we're on track with both horses for the Grand National. They are unlikely to run again before that."

The Eric McNamara-trained Little Green gave her potential value as a broodmare a huge boost by claiming the Grade Two Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle.

The 13-2 chance had been unsuccessful in four previous hurdling starts but came good under Townend, beating Chaperoned by two lengths.

"We were just hoping to make the frame today, get a bit of black type and then go back for a maiden," said McNamara.

"To win is a real bonus. She won't go to Cheltenham or Aintree. Fairyhouse and Punchestown would be possibilities and she could go back on the Flat at some stage too."

Barry Geraghty guided 4-1 favourite Good Time Donie to run out an appropriately named winner of the Read Barry Geraghty's Blog On attheraces.com Handicap Hurdle.

Winning trainer Adrian Maguire said: "We always thought he was a nice horse and I like the way he went about it in that ground.

"He'll make a smashing chaser but he's been plagued with problems. If we can keep him sound he is one to look forward to over fences next season."

There was a controversial finish to the I.T.B.A. Fillies Scheme Novice Hurdle, with Definite Class (7-2) getting the race in the stewards' room from favourite Stephani