< Back In Focus made a fine start to life over regulation fences in the Kevin McManus Beginners Chase at Listowel.

A hugely promising sort for Howard Johnson, the strapping chestnut was second in a Tipperary hurdle on his debut for Willie Mullins in July, but went one better in fine style.

Soon in front and jumping well under Ruby Walsh, the well-backed 4-5 favourite kept up a relentless gallop at the head of affairs and ultimately strolled home 33 lengths to the good over White Star Line

Davy Russell gave veteran Lough Ferrib (9-2) a terrific ride to claim the Guiness Handicap Hurdle.

James Hassett's 11-year-old came to challenge at the last and held the rallying Princeton Plains by a neck.

The Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle went to Coole Avenue trained by Tom Cooper and ridden by his son, Bryan.< Troon (11/4) opened his account with a smooth success in the Helena Sheahan Memorial Maiden.

Always travelling kindly behind market rival Exact Dermot Weld's gelding quickened to lead passing the furlong pole and merely had to be kept up to his work by Pat Smullen to draw three lengths clear.

Weld and Smullen were narrowly denied when Pat Shanahan's Lordhighprotector fought off Muntasaf in the Tote Jackpot Guarantee Median Auction Maiden.

The Ronan Whelan-ridden 10/1 winner slipped the field on the turn for home and knuckled down to score by a nose.

Shanahan and Whelan were on the mark again as Rominintheglomin (5-1) landed the T.P. Walsh Memorial Handicap.< Angel Bright took them along but Whelan was hot on his heels and sent his mount to the front approaching the furlong marker, after which he pulled seven and a half lengths clear of Crystal Wings

The in-form Chris Hayes was in the winner's eclosure again after a straightforward success on Marlos Moment in the Thomas O'Connor Memorial Handicap.

Jim Culloty's 11-4 favourite made steady progress on the approach to the home turn and went on to beat Moveable Asset by a length and three-quarters.