Watch The Weather (15/2) bounced back to form in no uncertain fashion when bolting up under Rachael Blackmore in the Pierce Motors Handicap Hurdle.

Progressive last year but unplaced in his previous three outings, the Sean Connors-owned gelding led two and bounded clear to beat Shanwalla by an eased-down nine lengths.

Winning trainer Ray Cody said: "he had been doing everything really well at home last year but since he ran last, we got his palate fired. At home recently he wouldn't blow you away with how he was going and I said to Rachael that he'd either win or run brutal.

"The last day Rachael rode him she said he stopped under her and while he scoped perfectly, obviously the operation was what he wanted. He is back the way he should be - he is a very good horse when he is right, he is a really good horse.

"He will get a fair penalty for that and the plan is now to go to Galway. What he will eventually make is a right chaser as he is brilliant to jump."

Quotes from Tom Weekes