Robbie Hennessy was fighting back the emotions after stable star Sublimity got back to winning ways in the McCarthy Group Hurdle at Cork.

The 2007 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham was dropping significantly in class and sent off at 11-10 against three rivals in a race he was favoured hugely by conditions.

Held up in rear by Andrew Lynch as Newmill opened up a big lead in front, it looked a matter of how far as he smoothly narrowed the advantage going to three out.

But Newmill had plenty left and it was a fight from the last before the 11-year-old Sublimity edged home by half a length.

Hennessy was delighted to see Sublimity get his head in front again for the first time since the December Hurdle of 2008, and said: "Today was one of my best successes despite having won a Grade One.

"It's nearly as good as winning at Cheltenham as he had a bad suspensory injury last year and we weren't sure if he would run again.

"It's great to get that out of the way. Beforehand on all ratings he had to be nearly a good thing, but there is no such thing in racing.

"These type of races are his future. There is a race at Naas in a few weeks for him (Limestone Lad Hurdle) although it's over two miles, three.

"The Irish Champion Hurdle is also a possibility."

Should Sublimity run in the Limestone Lad there is a strong possibility he will clash with Dunguib.

Trainer James Dullea was also pleased with the effort of Newmill - now a 13-year-old - on his first start for the Cork handler.

He said: "He ran a cracker and we're over the moon with him. We know now he's not over the top.

"He'll mix it between hurdles and fences and the Kinloch Brae at Thurles (January 27) is next for him."

Lynch bagged a double and Henry de Bromhead a welcome winner as Byerley Bear made a winning start over obstacles at the first time of asking.

Sent off at 11-2, the six-year-old bumper winner produced a smooth success over well-backed favourite King Of The Refs in the McCarthy Insurance Group Maiden Hurdle.

De Bromhead said: "I'm delighted with that