< Thouva jumped his rivals into submission to land the Hook Beginners Chase at Wexford.

Sent straight to the front by Davy Russell, the 13-8 favourite put in a solid round of jumping, and only had King Of The Refs for company by the end of the back straight.

Despite getting a little close to the last, Noel Meade's grey kept up his gallop to come home five lengths clear.

Last season's undoubted champion hunter chaser Salsify was beaten on his reappearance in the Rosslare Hunters Chase by Tammys Hill

James Smyth pushed the 7-2 chance into the lead after tearaway leader Onefortheroad Mac capitulated, and Salsify could not cope, finishing three and a half lengths down.< Venture Capital made a pleasing debut over hurdles when landing the Mount Leinster Maiden Hurdle.

Making steady headway from midfield under Brian O'Connell, the 10-11 favourite swept to the front at the last and though Our Native Land put up some resistance, Philip Fenton's charge was two and three-quarter lengths ahead at the line.

Willie Mullins struck in the Saltees Island Mares Novice Hurdle as Tasitiocht struck with the minimum of fuss.

Keeping right on the inside rail throughout, Patrick Mullins did not have to get too animated undtil after the last, beating Carries Darling by a length and a half.

Philip Rothwell's Saoirse Dun (evens favourite) completed his hat-trick in good style in the Garryrichard Handicap Chase, coming home 11 lengths clear of Flamingos Gold under Paul Townend.< Speed Dial just hung on to land the Gorey Handicap Hurdle under Tim Carroll.

The 4-1 chance looked to have the race sewn up when clear at the last, but Jacks Island finished well up the run-in and was only a short head down at the line.< Catimini (16-1) won out in a driving finish to the Enniscorthy Mares Flat Race.