< Dunguib made a triumphant return to action at Gowran, securing his place at the Cheltenham Festival in the process.

Sent off the 8-11 favourite for the Red Mills Trial Hurdle, Dunguib looked a little rusty on his seasonal bow before warming to his task halfway through.

Jockey Brian O'Connell had him perfectly placed on the heels of pace-setting Luska Lad coming down to the second last and after assuming the lead at the final obstacle, Dunguib pulled three and half lengths clear.

Winning trainer Philip Fenton said: "It was great not to have too hard a race today and it was just what he needed.

"He settled after a few hurdles today and his jumping improved as the pace increased and he was slick over the last three flights.

"We'll go straight for the Champion Hurdle now and today will keep the dream alive for another while."< Rubi Light (7-1) put himself in the frame for a crack at the Ryanair Chase following his 10-length romp in the Red Mills Chase.

Robbie Hennessy's charge received a very positive ride from Andrew Lynch, building up a healthy advantage which foiled favourite Roberto Goldback

Hennessy said: "We had a few quid on him at 200-1 for the Ryanair Chase yesterday and that race is now a big possibility. He'll also be entered in a few handicaps but may now be too highly rated."

Willie Mullins registered a poignant success with Tawaagg (11-10 favourite) in the Ronan Lawlor Memorial Beginners Chase.

The race was named in honour of the young rider, who was a good friend of the Mullins family and died following a tragic fall on the gallops a year ago.

"You'd have to be happy with Tawaagg after that as he hates that ground," said Mullins.

"Paul said he jumped a bit sticky early on and while he'll have to brush up on that, he could be a stone better on better ground."

Edward O'Grady may bid his time with ex-Henry Cecil inmate Rigidity (4-1 favourite) after the four-year-old bagged the Shantou At Burgage Stud Maiden Hurdle on his jumping bow.

"I'll have a chat with Rigidity's owner (Thomas Barr) b