Review thurles 23rd Dec

< Midnight Game confirmed himself a horse on the upgrade with a comfortable victory at Thurles.

Having won at Fairyhouse on his seasonal return, Willie Mullins' five-year-old stepped up to Listed level for the Horse And Jockey Hotel Hurdle and was given a confident ride by Davy Russell.

The champion jockey had the 4-7 favourite settled on the shoulder of Arnaud from the outset before sending him to the lead two out.< Joxer improved from the back of the five-runner field to give chase, but Midnight Game held him a length at bay after taking the last smoothly.

Mullins was also on the mark with French import Unika La Reconce in the Gift Horse Gallery Horse & Jockey Hotel Mares Maiden Hurdle.

Ruby Walsh set out to make it a true test on the 8-11 market leader and when Speckled Hen mounted her challenge between the final two flights, the filly responded in good style, pulling 12 lengths clear.< Captain Canada (6-1) bossed the INH Stallion EBF Maiden Hurdle with a fine front-running display.

The dual point winner was a disappointment on his bumper debut at Limerick but consigned that run to the past with a nine and a half-length defeat of market rival War Correspondent

Jimmy Mangan's mare Noras Fancy (7-2 joint-favourite) was prominent all the way in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase and held a narrow advantage at the final fence before being driven clear by David Splaine to beat Colls Corner by three lengths.

Colin Bowe's Whiskey And Red (6-4 favourite), a winner at the track last month, followed up in the Molony Cup Handicap Chase, collaring Robertstown Rover at the last under Russell and forging a length and three-quarters clear.

The Exit 6 To The Horse & Jockey Novice Handicap Hurdle went to Denis Hogan's Missie Ella (25-1) under the trainer's son Denis jnr, while Barry O'Neill guided Robert Tyner's Byerley Babe (2-1) home in front in the Curaheen INH Flat Race.