Cheltenham Festival winner First Lieutenant made a successful start to his fencing career in the Like A Butterfly Novice Chase at Tipperary.

Last season's Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle hero was sent off the 4-7 favourite for the Grade Three event on his first appearance since May.

Jumping fluently in the hands of Davy Russell, the Mouse Morris-trained six-year-old travelled strongly into the straight and had too much in the tank for Slieveardagh beating him comfortably by a length and three-quarters.

Edward O'Grady's 11-4 market leader The Real Article made the headlines for the right reasons with a dominant performance in the Grade Two Friends Of Tipperary Hurdle under Barry Geraghty.

Second under tender handling here before his fourth in the Galway Hurdle, he quickened smartly to take over from Luska Lad between the final couple of flights and a slick leap at the last sealed an impressive eight-length triumph.< Tavern Times task was made easier by the withdrawal of Steps To Freedom, but he still landed the Dolores Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle like a smart prospect.

Tom Mullins' 4-5 favourite only had the back-pedalling Bullock Harbour for company nearing the home turn and he quickly asserted for Davy Russell, crossing the line with 17 lengths in hand of Bleakfield Lady

The Coolmore Stud Home Of Champions Concorde Stakes was the pick of the Flat action and saw Anam Allta (5-2 joint-favourite) successfully bridge the gap to Group Three company in the hands of Declan McDonogh.

Dermot Weld's lightly raced filly was travelling much the best as she moved up to press Bay Knight turning in and she quickened to lead approaching the furlong marker before scoring by an easy six lengths.

That completed a double for Weld, initiated by the consistent Mahaazen (5-1), who made it fifth-time lucky in the Athassel House Stud EBF Maiden under Leigh Roche.