A bump with Prince Kup at the second last was the only real scare for backers of the well-supported 4/1 favourite, Veinard in the Clonmel Oil Race Day Handicap Hurdle. Davy Russell eventually brought his sweet-travelling mount home a length and three parts in front.

Veinard was having his second start for Gordon Elliott and the 12,000 pound August purchase was today shedding his maiden tag at the eleventh time of asking.

For Russell it was a first winner back after the lengthy suspension he served after his ride on Little Folke at this venue at the end of September.

"He did his job nicely today, everyone's happy and we'll find another similar race next," said Elliott.

"While it wasn't the strongest race in the world it's nice to get Davy back on a winner and that's his first day back in Ireland (following his 17 day suspension).

"We sent him off on a winner and brought him back on one and he comes in to us the odd morning and rides an awful lot of winners for us - it's good to have him on our side whenever we can get him."

Russell himself commented: "I've missed a good few winners unfortunately but if you do the crime you have to do the time and we'll put those things behind us now and try to make up for it."

The Stewards enquired into an incident at the bottom of the hill on the final circuit involving Jim Will Fix It ridden by Mr S.R. Byrne, unplaced, Thats Mypresenting ridden by B.T. O'Connell, placed third and Sizing Scorpion ridden by M.A. Enright, unplaced, where it appeared that Jim Will Fix It ran short of room and collided with the running rail.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the incident was caused by general bunching and took no further action.

(TW & EM)