Where's Frankie relished an extended three miles in the first split of the 80-109 handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse as he gave jockey Donagh Meyler a double on the card.

Karl Thornton 's charge led narrowly two out and moved clear on the run-in as he posted a four and a quarter length victory. Emancipator couldn't compete with the winner once headed at the penultimate flight and had to settle for second at 15/2. The winner was returned at 17/2 having traded at 16s in the morning. Askann (14/1) was five and a half lengths adrift in third but a short head in front of 5/1 favourite Nathaniel's Dream

Meyler said: “It's a good start to the year. I was long enough without a winner and hopefully we'll have a good 2022.

“He's been a bit backward but he's been progressing this year. We've been pleased with his work and his jumping has sorted itself out.”

Meyler was also on board Carrig Sam (12/1) in the opener for Arthur Moore.

The Stewards interviewed J.B. Kane, rider of sixth-placed Ocean Legacy concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. J.B. Kane admitted the offence without forwarding any excuse and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that J.B. Kane was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency and R10(3)(h) by using his whip with his arm above shoulder height. Having taken his clean previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended J.B. Kane for two racedays.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson