The day belonged to Paul Carberry who landed a double at Fairyhouse, starting with a victory for his long-standing supporter Noel Meade in the Premier Jump Weekend Hurdle.

Absent for several months through injury, Carberry had to roust up the 1-4 favourite Ally Cascade to get the better of King William who was in the process of running a big race before losing his rider at the last.

The victor was asserting his dominance at that stage, though, and the exit of his rival only served to increase the winning distance to 17 lengths.

However, it was Carberry's second winner in the 25 Euro Punter's Pack Premier Jump Racing Weekend Handicap Hurdle which provided racegoers with a glimpse of his trademark style.

Carberry sat motionless on the 2-1 favourite Not For Changing before delivering him with a rousing bid after the final flight, switching to the far rail to get the better of Not For Burning by a neck.

The context of that win is even more impressive considering Carberry had been on the deck just half an hour before, when Moonshine Lad capitulated with every chance in the Fairyhouse Membership 2014 Maiden Hurdle.

That mishap allowed The Housekeeper to land a heavily-eased 15 length victory at odds of 16-1.

It is rare for Willie Mullins to leave a racecourse empty-handed and the market spoke for Royal Caviar (8-15) on his debut under Rules in the Follow Fairyhouse On Twitter INH Flat Race.

The six-and-a-half length success prompted cuts from several bookmakers in their ante-post markets for Cheltenham, and the Closutton team may well have another squad member for Prestbury Park in this former point winner.

The most thrilling finish of the day went the way of Boss Croaker (8-1) in the Fairyhouse Schooling Grounds Handicap Hurdle after a sustained duel with Troll D'Oudaires.< Ballyroe Rambler (5-2) travelled noticeably well before drawing five-and-a-half lengths clear in the Christmas Party Race Day On 14th December At Fairyhouse Maiden Hurdle.