< Little Haarth proved much too strong in the McGrath Limestone Works Ltd. Handicap Hurdle at Ballinrobe.

Paul Townend made his move on the long run to the final flight, which effectively sealed matters.

The 9-2 shot cleared the obstacle with the minimum of fuss and with nearest pursuer Refadda sadly going wrong, it was left to Round Tower to take the runner-up spot, nine lengths behind the winner.

The Investec Rated Novice Hurdle cut up to just the four runners and 5-4 favourite Rise Of An Empire was able to make every post a winning one.

The quartet was closely grouped turning in and all were in with a chance jumping the last, where Little Stampy and Robbie Colgan parted company, but Rise Of An Empire kept up the gallop to cross the line a length and three-quarters ahead of Lake Malawi < Sharlanda (11-2) broke through at the 14th attempt under Rules in the Tim Kelly Group Handicap Hurdle.

Colm Murphy's mare could be seen travelling well on the heels of the leaders approaching two out before she was asked to go and win her race by Robbie Power, who kept enough petrol in the tank to repel Stormey by half a length.< Graney Town was a maiden after 18 outings heading into the McWilliam Park Hotel Handicap Hurdle but showed a pleasing attitude to strike at odds of 6-1.

Useful Flat performer Cradle Mountain broke his duck over obstacles in the Paddy Smyth Memorial Maiden Hurdle.

The Joseph O'Brien-trained 11-4 joint-favourite didn't help his cause with an awkward leap when challenging at the last, but Jody McGarvey got him back on an even keel and he saw off Echo Lady by half a length.< Kansas Kid s task in the Mayo News Maiden Hurdle was made easier by the withdrawal of probable favourite Jack The Wire but he still got the job done well, beating Thelastonetogo by 12 lengths as the 2-1 favourite.