There was a scare for Ruby Walsh just days before the start of the Cheltenham Festival when the top jockey sustained a cut on the face in a nasty fall at Naas.
He took a last-flight tumble from King Of The Refs in the Tote Jackpot Maiden Hurdle, his first since his return to action last Friday after being sidelined for four months with a broken leg.
The latest scare comes close to Cheltenham where Walsh has a powerful book of rides mainly for Irish trainer Willie Mullins and Ditcheat handler Paul Nicholls.
The eventual contest went to 33-1 shot First Impressions for trainer Michael Mulvany and 7lb claimer Tim Carroll.
"First Impressions appreciated the step up in trip but these maiden hurdles are very hard to win and I didn't think he'd win one. He likes nice ground and will have no problem staying three miles," said Mulvany.
"He is a nicely related horse and his dam is closely related to Florida Pearl and he should make a very nice chasing prospect next season."
Co Antrim based trainer Harry Smyth recorded his first winner for almost seven years when cast-off Cantrell landed the Hen and Stag Parties at Naas Handicap Hurdle under 7lb conditional Mattie Bowes.
"I have four horses in training and I only work with cast-offs from other yards! I was given Cantrell by his previous owners and the good thing about training cast-offs is at least nobody expects anything of you," said Smyth.
Jockey Sean Flanagan had his first winner since August and just his third of the season when steering him the Liz Doyle-trained Gamede (7-1) to victory in the Naas Racecourse on Facebook Maiden Hurdle.
"He has small feet and is a light horse but had been working very well," said Doyle.
"We would have been happy with a first four or five finish today though and he'll have one more run before going to Punchestown."
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