< Sweeps Hill was made to pull out all the stops by Mr Nosie in order to justify 6-4 favouritism in the opening Motivate Challenge In Association With The Evening Herald Beginners Chase at Punchestown.

John Kiely's classy, yet quirky, son of Montjeu hadn't raced since disappointing on his second chase start at Naas in October.

David Casey's mount defied the lengthy layoff with a smooth round of jumping but the runner-up wouldn't give in and after a prolonged battle from three out, Sweeps Hill just got the better of the argument with a one-length triumph.

Owner JP McManus enjoyed a one-two in the Follow Punchestown Facebook Handicap Chase, with Eddie Harty's Carrigmartin leading home the Kiely-trained Wise Old Owl

There were three in line two from the finish, with Gracchus also in the shake-up at that stage, but the Nial Madden-ridden winner found most approaching the last and went on to score by three lengths.< Greenbelt Star (6-4) took the Dobbins Food Hall Maiden Hurdle at the first time of asking over timber.

Jessica Harrington's dual bumper winner had gone close in a couple of Flat races at Dundalk and Clonmel during April, but he looks made for jumping obstacles following a six-length romp from House Rules in the hands of Robbie Power.

Harrington doubled up when Barry Geraghty guided Bullock Harbour to a two and a half-length victory over Seader in the Visit Punchestown.com Maiden Hurdle.

Geraghty went on to complete a double of his own aboard the John Berry-trained Whats On The Menu in the K.S.P.C.A Maiden Hurdle.

Sent off an easy-to-back 10-1 chance, the seven-year-old got it together on his seventh outing over timber, staying on powerfully after making the running and beating Willie Mullins' Up Ou That by five lengths.