Waxies Dargle returned to form in the Grade B Ladbrokes Ireland Handicap Hurdle at Killarney and in so doing picked up a nice pot for his efforts.

The six-year-old gelding made headway before the third last to race just off the pace in this two mile one furlong contest.

At the second last Paul Townend had him on terms on the outer. Jumping the last and the race was between Waxies Dargle and Mrs Mac Veale on the inner. They jumped it level but Waxies Dargle kept on strongly on the run-in to score by two and a half lengths. He was returned the 9/2 joint favourite.

Mrs Mac Veale took second at 14/1. She was three parts of a length up on Pivot Bridge the other 9/2 joint favourite. He had won this race last year and held every chance two out before keeping on one-paced from the final hurdle.

Handler Noel Meade said: "Ground was a huge factor as he wants it soft and I was wondering this morning whether or not it was worth sending him down here but the forecast was bad.

"He worked at Punchestown before Cheltenham and worked electric and while I really fancied him in the County Hurdle, he ran a stinker and obvious wasn't quite right.

"He then ran ok on the first day of Punchestown (Festival) but the ground was too quick and it'll be too quick for the Galway Hurdle and planning that would be pointless as he'd need weather like this.

"Paul (Townend) is a very good rider and I've been lucky enough to have had him a few times."

The winner banked 32,500 euro.

Mark Walsh was stood down for the rest of the day after taking a fall from Henry Higgins at the third last. The jockey was reported to be 'sore'.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes