Denis O'Regan was the rider in form on an all jumping card at Tramore when recording a 96.5/1 double on Van Ness and Persian Return.
Van Ness lost his maiden tag in the 2m6f beginners chase as the 7yo gelding headed the front-running Alickadoo at the second last fence to score by three lengths.
Trainer Michael Phillips indicated afterwards that the gelding may be heading to the Doncaster Sales due to lack of opportunities for staying chasers.
He added, 'That's the first time he's got his head in front and it may give him a bit of confidence. He seems to like that ground.'
O'Regan moved onto the nine winner mark for the season, just one behind leader Ruby Walsh, when Persian Return landed in front two out in the 2m4f handicap hurdle to beat Killeen by 1 1/2L.
Stephen Gray partnered his first winner over fences and his fourth in all when Mattys Joy made all in the 2m handicap chase, holding off Family Affair by a length.
There was drama at the second last flight in the 2m maiden hurdle where outsider Goodnight Dick crashed out through the railing when holding every chance.
Thankfully both rider Tom Molloy and the gelding appeared to be alright, and this left Smile Later and favourite Fayr Star to fight out the finish.
Smile Later just found that bit more under pressure than the 7/4 favouite to land the spoils for Kevin Coleman and Francis Flood.
Tim Doyle's Flat team are in great form this year with 7 wins, and the Thurles trainer further advertised his talent by producing Jack Daniels after nearly 600 days on the sidelines to take the 2m handicap hurdle.
The six-year-old gelding made virtually all under Michael Darcy and drew clear before the last to score by a facile seven lengths.
'He won a bumper here two years ago but got a leg soon after that and I'm pleasantly surprised by the win. He loves lively ground and, if he stays in one piece, will be a nice horse for the summer,' said Doyle.
Croom trainer Andrew McNamara teamed up with his son and namesake to land the 2m4f maiden hurdle with Darc Leader needing a strong drive on the run-in to prevail by a neck from Alberti.
John Bob quickened up nicely inside the final quarter mile of the bumper for Lenny Flynn to score in fine style from Sheikhman.
Alan Magee
