Curfew Tolls is set for a trip to Galway after springing a surprise in the Talbot Hotel Handicap Chase at a wet and windy Wexford.
The Henry de Bromhead-trained gelding has been plagued by injury and was pulled up on his last outing in a point-to-point at this venue in April.
He proved that he was back on form here, however, jumping to the front four out and kicking clear before the straight. The 16/1 shot got tired close home but held on by a length-and-a-half from Penny Hall.
'It wasn't really a surprise. He has loads of ability but has had lots of problems,' said de Bromhead. 'He'll go to Galway for the Blazers Handicap Chase on the Saturday.'
Limerick Lord overcame a 724-day absence to claim the opening Saltees Maiden Hurdle under Barry Geraghty.
The gelding jumped to the front at the third last and recorded a stylish six-length win over Colorado John. Trainer Tom Taaffe will send the winner over fences before the end of the summer.
18-year-old James Sheehy partnered his first winner when Prince Linamix, trained by his brother Eamon, ran out an easy nine-length winner of the Barrow Handicap Hurdle.
Sheehy sent the gelding to the lead three out and he was clear turning for home, eventually beating Marktic Fashion by nine lengths.
Tarn Ridge proved much too strong for his rivals in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase. Robbie Moran sent his mount on at the third last and he recorded an easy 12-length victory over Bordante.
Winning trainer Paul Nolan revealed afterwards that stable star Accordion Etoile would hopefully line up for the Galway Hurdle on Thursday and Moran is set to claim a valuable 7lb off the top-weight.
Seamus Fahey was concerned about the softening ground for Lycaena but she handled it well to land the John Harney Bookmaker Handicap Hurdle by three-and-a-half lengths from Minnie Turbo.
Shes Chancy (16/1 to 10/1) landed a bit of a gamble in the Talbot Hotel Beginners Chase. The mare looked in control when Right Jack fell at the last and was left to stroll home for a comfortable success.
