< Vent De La Cote ran out a smooth winner of the Monroe's Live Rated Novice Chase at Ballinrobe.

The veteran Archie Meade made a bold effort from the front, whereas the winner was anchored towards the rear of the five-runner field until Mark Walsh took closer order three fences from the finish.

The Martin Brassil-trained 11-10 favourite was waited with until after jumping the last before being asked to go and win his race, but he strolled to a narrow lead and wasn't hard pressed to triumph by a length from Archie Meade.< Admiral Brian couldn't quite justify favouritism in a big Navan handicap at the start of the month but went one better in the Killeen Sports Grounds Rated Novice Hurdle.

Again attracting support, the 13-8 favourite cruised up to long-time leader Ice Cool after the second-last and quickened well on the run-in to keep the staying-on Definite Earl two and a half lengths at bay.< Mic Milano (7-1) pipped the game Duty Dance in a thrilling finish to the Hollymount Nursing Home Handicap Hurdle.

The pair were being closely pursued by Babanango when that one crashed out at the last and while long-time leader Duty Dance fought tooth and nail, Mic Milano prevailed by a nose.

That initiated a double for trainer John Ryan, completed by Kylecrue in the P & D Lydon Handicap Chase.

The 8-1 shot had top weight to contend with but Donagh Meyler was positive from the outset and Kylecrue fended off the challenge of Fergiethelegend by three-quarters of a length.< Let Her Cry (evens favourite) and Isnt Dat Right went at it on the long run to the final flight in the Connacht Telegraph Mares Maiden Hurdle and a slicker leap saw the market leader score with four and a quarter lengths in hand.< Bringerofthedawn (11-4) ran out a facile winner of the Costello & McDermott Maiden Hurdle, coming home 22 lengths clear of Duke Cass