Backers of 4/6 shot Sheamus were on good terms with themselves from the start of the I.N.H. Stallion Owners European Breeders Fund Novice Hurdle as he landed his second win at Fairyhouse.

Ruby Walsh (only ride of the day) was clear from the 'get-go' on the now 'four-in-a-row' Definite Article gelding and though he was reeled in five out one always got the impression that the Dessie Hughes runner had things in hand.

His supposed main rival Cillian's Return didn't jump well and it was left to the two-time winning point-to-point outsider, Annamatopoeia to chase home Sheamus at a distance of thirteen lengths.

Representing her father, Sandra Hughes said: "That's a great tonic for dad. He had to do it the hard way but we didn't want it to turn into a sprint, and ideally he'd like a lead. He'd go on ground with a dig in it but not heavy winter ground."

Meanwhile Walsh stated: "I rode Schindlers Hunt in the past for the owners (the Slaneyville Syndicate) and of course Lar Byrne owned Hardy Eustace too.

"This fella is a nice prospect and I'd say he has plenty under the bonnet when you'd want it – he wasn't doing a whole lot in front.

"I'd say he's not really a front-runner. No one wanted to go on so I bucked him out and I'd say if he'd had a lead he'd have been straight as a die and pinging hurdles – he was just a bit cold in front.

"I wouldn't worry, he won today doing things probably not the right way for him.

"I don't know if he'd go on real, real heavy ground but it's only that way for two months of the year and he'll be alright the rest of the time.

"I thought the ground was beautiful but as they always say you should never ask the winning jockey you should ask someone else."

P. Carberry, rider of Time For A Pint trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a respiratory noise in running.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Cillian's Return, trained by A.J.Martin, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(AM & EM)