< Big Zeb set out on the trail to Cheltenham next March with a stylish winning return to action in the Friends Of Navan Fortria Chase.
Winner of the race last season, the Champion Chase hero settled in second as Carthalawn did the donkey work up front, and Barry Geraghty eased him up to challenge approaching the final fence.
Once over it the Colm Murphy-trained 8-15 favourite eased away to win cosily by a length and a quarter, with Golden Silver finishing well to grab second. The Dial-A-Bet Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas is Big Zeb's next port of call.
On a day to forget for Noel Meade, Aitmatov looked all over the winner of the Lismullen Hurdle as he came to the final flight, having led all the way in an attempt to follow up last season's victory.
But he dived at the hurdle and took a bad fall under Davy Condon, who was substituting for the injured Paul Carberry, leaving the way clear for Oscar Dan Dan Tom Mullins' 11-4 shot ran on strongly to beat Jumbo Rio by four lengths in the hands of Paul Townend.< Hidden Cyclone (13-8 favourite) maintained his unbeaten record with a commanding victory in the 'For Auction' Novice Hurdle.
John Hanlon's smart prospect travelled powerfully up to the lead three out under Andrew McNamara and once he asserted there was never any doubt he was going to win as he came home six lengths in front of Hazeymm
Jessie Harrington's in-form yard landed another victory when 6-4 favourite Saludos took the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase after Lucky William again failed to live up to his name.
A faller at Tipperary last month when looking poised to win, Lucky William nearly came to grief at the last fence this time and gifted the prize to the long-time leader, who was driven out by Robbie Power to score by seven lengths.< Our Girl Salley (3-1) led two out and skipped clear to take the INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle by 10 lengths.
