< Tin Soldier stayed on best to claim Grade Three honours in the At The Races Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle at Thurles.
Having cut out the early running, the Willie Mullins-trained 100-30 chance seemed in trouble when losing a couple of places around halfway and was driven along by Ruby Walsh soon after.
He kept in touch, though, and when stamina came into play, Tin Soldier had it in spades as he tackled Moulin A Vent and Champagne Classic at the last and then saw off the former by a length.< Westerner Point showed his appreciation for reverting to the larger obstacles with victory in the Thurles Racecourse Supporters Club Rated Chase.
Only fourth when favourite for a handicap hurdle here last month, having won his previous two over fences, the 2-1 chance made his own pace and with the challenging Draycott Place falling two out and closest pursuer Shadow Catcher ploughing through the last, Westerner Point was able to come home a length and a half to the good.
There was plenty of drama in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Chase, with the fall of favourite Daisy's Gift bringing down Presenting Mahler with a circuit to go, Girly Girl capsizing two out when chasing leader Twiss's Hill who herself departed at the last with the race seemingly in safe keeping.< Misty Lady looked the most likely beneficiary but she was caught in the closing stages by 50-1 outsider Carrigeen Acebo who prevailed by a length and three-quarters.< Call The Taxie has picked up his fair share of minor honours but finally enjoyed his day in the sun as he justified 5-4 favouritism in the Killinan Maiden Hurdle.
Lisa O'Neill steered top-weight Sutton Manor (9-2) to victory in the Littleton Handicap Hurdle, while Clounts Meadow (7-1) took the Tipperary (Ladies Pro/Am) Handicap Hurdle and 15-8 favourite Martello Park came out on top in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Flat Race.
