Workmanlike Istabraq scores narrowly

Istabraq`s eagerly awaited return to action resulted in a narrow victory in the Tote December Festival Hurdle but the manner of his success over a gallant Bust Out had the Leopardstown faithful pondering about his Champion Hurdle four-timer bid next March.

The contest lost what looked a serious threat to J.P. McManus` jumping star in the shape of second favourite Liss A Paoraigh when John Kiely`s mare fell at the second flight causing Barry Geraghty, aboard the chasing Bust Out, to perform heroics to keep the partnership intact.

Rank outsider Aerleon Pete, also carrying the famous McManus colours, set a steady clip from the outset and when Istabraq took closer order after the fourth last he dived at the next giving his supporters a moments worry.

Bust Out swept through to lead over the penultimate flight closely tracked by Aidan O`Brien`s 4/11 favourite and the race developed into a scrap after the home turn.

Istabraq, who safely negotiated the flight that caught him out twice in the past with a slight advantage, kept on under hands and heels to defeat a brave Bust Out by a head.

'I was a bit too long at the third last but he`s as good as ever,' remarked Charlie Swan while owner J.P.McManus said, 'I must admit my heart missed a beat at the third from home.'

A relieved winning trainer Aidan O`Brien remarked afterwards, 'It was important he got round and came back in one piece and I`m happy about that.'

On future plans the normal Cheltenham route of taking in the AIG Irish Champion Hurdle on the way was virtually dismissed. 'It`s a strong possibility he`ll go straight to Cheltenham but we`ll have to wait and see,' said the Ballydoyle maestro.

Bookmakers were on the receiving end of a tidy touch in the opening beginners chase when Phariwarmer, carrying the famous colours of J.P.McManus, justified strong market support on his chasing debut in the hands of Conor O`Dwyer.

Supported at 10/1 before racing and from 6/1 on course, Arthur Moore`s gelding jumped impeccably throughout and battled well after the last to outgun Beausheram, who started the 3/1 joint favourite along with Be My Royal who crashed out at the second fence.

'I was very happy with him and fences is going to be his game. I`m sure he`ll stay three miles and he may come back here in a fortnight for a winners race,' said Moore afterwards.

Pat Hughes captured the training honours with a double sparked off with well-backed pillar-to-post winner Rule Supreme in the Agri-Aware Maiden Hurdle to complete a brace also for Charlie Swan before Pollster justified favouritism for Steven Curtis in the Madigans Handicap Hurdle.

Curragh trainer Michael Halford who enjoyed a wonderful season with his flat campaigners, saddled his first winner over fences when Monks Error, formerly trained by Frank Berry, scored a runaway success under Kieran Gaule in the Tote Exacta Handicap Chase.

Beechcourt was all the rage for the concluding bumper going off at odds of 1/2but he had no answer to front-running Ar Muin Na Muice (10/1-8/1) who made all under trainer/rider Caroline Hutchinson to defeat a never nearer Kickham with the disappointing favourite finishing last of the four runners.