Willie Mullins' Allee Garde made an effortless start to life over obstacles in division two of the Sean Graham Bookmakers Maiden Hurdle at Down Royal.

The 2-1 chance, ridden by Paul Townend, who joined Andrew McNamara and Paul Carberry at the head of the Jockeys' Championship, cruised up to take over from long-time leader Crude on the turn for home and eased 12 lengths clear of Kid Curry < Good Time Donie broke a frustrating string of placed efforts when finally opening his account in division one.

Ridden by Barry Geraghty for the first time, Adrian Maguire's even-money favourite was in front a long way from the finish and simply had to be kept up to his work to beat Vics Canvas by four lengths.

Geraghty doubled up for the afternoon on the Jessica Harrington-trained Dundrum in the N.I. Hotel Federation Beginners Chase.

The 8-1 shot saw off Hughies Grey by seven lengths, with Posh Bird taking third spot.

The Bet With The Tote Handicap Hurdle produced a thrilling finish, with Charlie Swan's 18-1 outsider Garryowen Star showing a most likeable attitude to fend off Lascalahall and Quartetto in a three-way finish.

David Casey's mount fought back close home to score by a head.

Favourite-backers were back on track in the Weatherbys Insurance Novice Handicap Hurdle, with According To Paddy obliging as the 5-2 market leader.

He gradually got the better of It's All Hush Hush over the final couple of hurdles and Andrew Lynch pushed him out for a three-length triumph.< Hidden Crack a half-brother to Cheltenham Champion Bumper winner Cue Card, defied the burden of top weight when running out a ready winner of the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase.

Seamus Fahey's inmate was sent off a 9-1 chance in the hands of Shane Butler but came home 28 lengths to the good over Derravarra Bay