< Like An Open Book got off the mark over hurdles with a cosy success in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel.
Trained by John, ridden by his brother Martin, and owned by their sister Elaine, it was very much a family affair as the mare confirmed her liking for the County Tipperary having recorded her sole previous victory in a bumper here in June.
Always travelling well, the 10-1 shot led them into the home straight and kept on well to beat Drakaina by a length and a quarter.
Punters were denied an exciting finish as Masterston (8-1) made the most of Hardback s last-flight fall to land the New Inn Opportunity Rated Novice Hurdle.
The pair battled it out up the straight and all was still to play for when Joseph O'Brien's runner hit the deck, leaving Gordon Elliott's charge to coast home for an eight-length triumph over Vinnie Luck < Guitar George called the tune in the opening Mylerstown Maiden Hurdle as he thwarted the late lunge of Balinaboola Steel by a head.
There were plenty in with a chance turning for home but it was Henry De Bromhead's charge that forged cleared at the last and had just enough in the tank to hang of for a 6-1 success.
Johnny Burke recorded his first victory since returning from injury as he partnered Kilbarry Marien to victory in the Kilsheelan Mares Maiden Hurdle.
The 14-1 chance mount took it up from the pace-setting Lady Quill before the second last and had to pull out of the stops to deny the well-fancied Delayed Eloquence by a head.
Willie Mullins doesn't have many winners at 16-1 but Blixt belied her odds in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Opportunity Handicap Hurdle, getting the better of 9-4 favourite Small World by a nose in a thrilling finish.< Meadow Cross finished with a wet sail down the outside to score at 12-1 in the Giantsgrave Handicap Hurdle, surging into the lead just after the last and going on to cross the line two and three-quarter lengths clear of Jack The Hat
