Last Instalment and Brian O'Connell© Photo Healy Racing
< Last Instalment returned to his very best with a superb performance to take the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown.
Philip Fenton's nine-year-old, off the track for nearly two years until he made a promising return at Thurles last month, jumped to the front at the second fence and put in an exhibition round in the Grade One contest.
Brian O'Connell kicked the 8-1 shot clear on the turn into the straight and nothing could get near him as he held off the opposition by eight and a half lengths, with Tidal Bay staging a late rally to grab second.
Only three turned out for the Dr PJ Moriarty Novice Chase but it was a high-class renewal and it was won is some style by the Willie Mullins-trained Ballycasey who led all the way under Ruby Walsh.
In a thrilling finish the trio went to the final fence together, but Carlingford Lough was short of room and unseated Tony McCoy, while Ballycasey found plenty to see off the favourite Don Cossack by four lengths.
Walsh also dictated terms on the ex-French Vautour in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle and the Mullins-trained five-year-old made it three from three since arriving in Ireland.
The 7-4 shot always travelled well and having disposed of Quickpick Vic in the straight, he was not unduly pressed to hold odds-on favourite The Tullow Tank by three lengths to make it a Grade One double for the trainer and jockey.
Dessie Hughes followed up Our Conor's victory in last year's Gala Retail Spring Juvenile Hurdle when Guitar Pete (9-2) led turning for home under Barry Geraghty and came away readily to beat Tiger Roll by two and a quarter lengths.
Claimer Ger Fox landed both handicap hurdles, getting up close home on top-weight Lughnasa (8-1) and winning with any amount in hand on 7-2 favourite Never Enough Time while Tammys Hill (3-1) edged out On The Fringe by three-quarters of a length in the hunters chase.
