There was a fairytale ending to life in the saddle for Andrew McNamara as he bowed out with a victory on Most Honourable in the Midge Nolan Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Tramore.
The 32-year-old will embark on a new career as a trainer after getting the Shark Hanlon-trained runner (5-1) home with half a length to spare from Luimneach Abu.
Mark Walsh threatened to spoil the part on the latter when challenging over the last two hurdles, but the winner responded well when asked for more by McNamara to end his top-class riding career in the best possible fashion.
Fresh from his successful trip to Australia, Ruby Walsh was back in the winning grove with a double which started with My Manekineko in the Flynn Hotel Group Rated Novice Hurdle.
Walsh bided his time at the rear of the five-runner field and made his move when a gap appeared on the inside as they turned for home.
The pace-setting Cecil Corbett didn't go down without a fight, but Walsh got his mount up by three-quarters of a length for a 7-1 triumph.
The pilot quickly followed up with Escape Footwear who justified 11-8 favouritism by a comfortable 12 lengths in the Marthas Pub, Tramore Mares Maiden Hurdle.
Always going well in second, the Willie Mullins-trained mare stretched clear in good style after taking it up before the second-last.
Broughtons Bandit relished the switch to fences as he sprang a 16-1 surprise in the opening EY Beginners Chase.
Gordon Elliott's eight-year-old had shown improved form over hurdles of late, including a victory at Perth last month, and continued his progress with four-and-a-half-length success over Lettermacaward.
Old Supporter (8-1) came into the Tom Murphy (Mercedes-Benz) Car Sales Handicap Chase at the 11th hour but the reserve grabbed his chance with a gutsy victory.
Shane Shortall quickly had his mount jumping well out in front and when it looked like Island Peak might force his way to the front at the last, Denis Cullen's 10-year-old dug deep to repel his challenge by half a length.
