< Frisco Depot made a successful start to life over fences with a narrow victory in the Ratoath Community Beginners Chase at Fairyhouse.
A maiden hurdle scorer at Naas in November 2010, Dessie Hughes's gelding was last sighted finishing fourth in a Grade 1 novice at the Punchestown Festival last May, but he defied the 240-day layoff in gritty fashion.
Bryan Hughes delivered the 7-2 shot between Banjaxed Girl and Dantes King at the last and although Aitmatov flashed home late in the piece, he was a neck down at the line.< In Great Form (5-1) lived up to his name when completing a recent course double in the Fairyhouse Members Handicap Chase.
Settled in mid-division by Mark Walsh, the Francis Flood inmate travelled well turning in and he cruised to the front before beating Andrea's Answer by two-and-a-half lengths.< Osirixamix (4-1) took full advantage of his comparatively lower mark over timber when winning the Olympic & European Football Handicap Hurdle.
Tony Martin's 143-rated chaser was allowed to compete off a perch of 113 and duly beat Lastoftheleaders by two-and-three-quarter lengths.< Dont Back Down (100-30) showed tremendous resolve to hold favourite Lord Gale a neck at bay in the opening Bobbyjo Bistro Maiden Hurdle.
Gordon Elliott's charge looked a sitting duck under Paul Carberry as the odds-on jolly loomed up but he was not for passing.
The New Year Maiden Hurdle saw Woodville Lady comfortably get off the mark.
The Christy Roche-trained 9-2 chance was covered up by Alan Crowe until after the last, when he eased past Double Double and crossed the line with a length and three quarters to spare.
The Costa Coffee Dock Handicap Hurdle went to owner/trainer Liam Kenny's Galant Ferns at odds of 10-1, while 5-4 market leader The Westener Boy took the Follow Nina On Twitter (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race for Mags Mullins.
