< Black Apalachi is joint-favourite for the John Smith's Grand National after winning the At The Races Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse.

Dessie Hughes' 10-year-old was already well fancied for Aintree after his victory in the Becher Chase in November, and picks up no penalty for his easy win over Snowy Morning third in the National last year.

He is now 12-1 (from 16s) with William Hill at the head of the market with Butler's Cabin.

"He gave an exhibition of jumping today and all going well his next run will be in the Grand National at Aintree," said Hughes.

"He doesn't need many runs to get him right. He would ideally want soft ground but he also goes on good ground."

Hughes and Loughran doubled up in the other Graded race with Kyrie Eleison in the Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle.

Fifth behind Jumbo Rio, one of Ireland's leading Triumph Hurdle hopes last time, he showed guts to fight off the front-running Donegal and the late challenge of Chevalier Country by three-quarters of a length.

"He did it well considering the mistake at the last," said Hughes.

"Roger said he was idling in front. He is a good ground horse and it was riding tacky today. He has an entry in the Triumph Hurdle, but is not a certain runner and Punchestown might be a better option."

Willie Mullins had his customary winner when Themoonandsixpence won under Paul Townend in the Early Bird Discounted Tickets For Easter Maiden Hurdle.

Mullins said: "He loves galloping and we will look for a winner's race next and then come back here for the Easter festival, either for a handicap or a novice. As the ground dries out he will improve and is a nice chasing prospect for next year."

Mullins also won the bumper, this time with Lios A Choill ridden by his son Patrick.

"He's definitely going to Cheltenham he's very good, he did what we thought he would," said the trainer.

"It was great that he could show such a turn of foot off a really slow early gallop."

Nina Carberry had an armchair ride on Enda Bolger's An Siorrac in the John McCarthy Memorial H

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