There will be few better novice hurdles all year than the Grade 1 Barry & Sandra Kelly Memorial Novice Hurdle, run at Navan today, which went to Mags Mullins' Travino.
Jockey John Cullen jumped Travino off in front and the 6yo gelding maintained a strong gallop throughout.
5/2 favourite Nicanor improved to strongly press the leader three out but a mistake hindered his progress, although he did get going from the last to eventually get to within a neck of Travino at the line.
Cashmans Bookmakers reacted to the performance by cutting Travino to 10/1 (from 12/1)for Brit Insurance Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham next March. While he is 16/1 for the Royal & Sun Alliance Novice
The Kevin McManus Bookmakers EBF Novice Chase was another fair contest although it was robbed of some of its importance when McGruders Cross fell at the seventh (later remounted for a distant fourth).
However, Noel Meade's Father Matt did run out a good winner, getting the better of a battle with Southern Vic from the home turn to win by 4 1/2l.
Five pound claimer Bobby Molloy gave his supporters plenty to cheer about with a win on Christy Roche's Fortmassini, winner of the Listed Proudstown Handicap Hurdle.
Molloy held the 9/4 favourite up towards the rear before improving to challenge and lead after the last, going on for a three length win over Brogella.
The opening Christmas Hurdle saw the defeat of 2/7 fav Arch Rebel, who had no answer to Micheal Halford's Maxxium, under Johnny Murtagh, while the Dun Doire (4/5f) landed a touch in the handicap chase.
Meanwhile at Thurles, 35 time winner Limestone Lad was paraded for his official retirement while on the racing side, Charlie Swan's What A Native completed a hat-trick of wins in the Molony Cup Handicap Chase.
Swan later commented 'What A Native may go for the Leopardstown Chase or Thyestes Chase next and it is great to win a race with a horse who has had as many problems as him.'
The Listed Horse & Jockey Hotel Hurdle went to Francis Flood's Pom Flyer, who held late challenge of High Priestess
The trainer's son, Fran, later mentioned 'although Pom Flyer has run badly in handicaps but the Pierce Hurdle is the most obvious target next.'
