Ireland's hurdling stars put on another great show, at Punchestown on Sunday, with Brave Inca grabbing the spoils in Maplewood Developments Morgiana Hurdle with a gutsy front-running performance.
The outcome of the Grade 2 contest took a dramatic twist early in the straight as Paul Carberry tried for a gap up the rail on Harchibald only to find no way past Brave Inca and Tony McCoy.
The 7/4f was squeezed against the rails and Carberry soon stood up on him. It was left to Essex to throw down a challenge at the last but Brave Inca wasn't to be denied and battled well to prevail by half a length.
'It was a big ask on his first run back. I was afraid he'd get tired on the ground and I'm trilled to bits he won,' said trainer Colm Murphy.
'He'll improve a lot for that run and will improve again for his next run. He'll probably go the same route as last year. The Hatton's Grace is in two weeks time at Fairyhouse but that may come too soon.'
Paul Carberry was handed a three-day ban for careless riding on Harchibald with the stewards judging that he had attempted to go through a gap that wasn't there.
Justified made it two from two over fences with a highly impressive performance in the Volkswagon Jetta Craddockstown Novice Chase.
Dusty Sheehy's gelding galloped his rivals into submission in the Grade 2 event, leading from flag fall and jumping superbly to come home an easy 14-length winner from Wild Passion.
'He's definitely a better chaser than hurdler,' said Sheehy. 'This year he's a man compared to a chap last year - he has really matured.
'If all goes to plan the Arkle at Cheltenham is his long term objective. I will have a look at the Drinmore at Fairyhouse (4th December) and he will also definitely go for the Durkan New Homes Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.'
Cashmans bookmakers promoted Justified to 7/1 joint favourite (from 10/1) alongside Accordion Etoile for the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham.
Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh teamed up to record a quick double when both Silk Screen and Alexander Taipan ran out impressive winners.
Silk Screen was produced at the last to claim the ACC Bank Handicap Hurdle by five lengths from Commonchero.
Alexander Taipan opened his account over hurdles with ease in the INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle, cruising into the lead turning for home and going on to beat Firth Of Forth by 11 lengths.
Brave Eagle showed that he is still well ahead of the handicapper when a comfortable winner of the opening Event Centre Handicap Chase while 8/11f Kill Devil Hill had to battle to get the better of Mr Babbage in the www.punchestown Beginners Chase.
