Classy Flat recruit Hurricane Fly made an impressive timber bow in the www.punchestown.com Maiden Hurdle.
The ex-French colt beat Newmarket Champion Stakes winner Literato last year, although he has been given plenty of time by new trainer Willie Mullins since his form tapered off in the summer.
Ruby Walsh tracked the leaders on the 9-10 favourite and when he asked his mount for an effort turning in, he quickly put daylight between himself and his rivals to beat Afasheen by a bloodless 12 lengths.
Mullins' sister Sandra McCarthy saddled Eye Candy to spring something of a surprise in the Go Racing In Kildare Chase.
Hot favourite Wishwillow Lord set out to make all but probably went a stride too fast and the writing was on the wall after three out.
Burren Ben took over at that point, but Eye Candy was hot on his heels and stormed to the front by the penultimate fence. The 10/1 chance made a hash of the last but had enough in reserve to beat Dbest by four and a half lengths in the hands of Emmet Mullins.
Spes Ultima atoned for a last-start tumble when breaking his fencing duck in the Evening Meetings At Punchestown Beginners Chase.
The 6-4 market leader touched down in a share of the lead with Mighty John McGee at the fourth-last and although he didn't exactly storm away from his rival, the result never looked in doubt from that point.
Barry Geraghty's mount crossed the line with a length to spare, with Slash And Burn third.
Bookmakers had cause for celebration when 33-1 outsider Roamanob ran out a gutsy winner of the Ireland For Horses Handicap Hurdle.
Setting the pace under Ian Power, he responded well to his riders urgings to account for favourite Arc Bleu by two and a half lengths.
© www.irish-racing.com
