< Quel Esprit looked a smart prospect when making a successful debut over fences in the Askeaton Beginners Chase at Limerick.

Having his first race since the Cheltenham Festival in March, the Willie Mullins-trained grey was given a good test by Torpichen before coming out on top.

Paul Townend always had the 2-5 shot up with the pace before going on as the field set out on the final circuit.

Only Torpichen could go with him and Edward O'Grady's charge led briefly at the second last, but Quel Esprit found extra to win by five and a half lengths.

"I'm happy with that. He'll probably go for a winners' race now and then something at Christmas," said Mullins.

"The Drinmore might come a bit soon for him. The ideal race for him at Christmas is the three-miler at Leopardstown."

The County Carlow handler also struck with Quaquo De Flotte (10-11), who was produced with a well-timed run by his amateur rider son Patrick to make a winning bow in the www.limerickraces.ieINH Flat Race.

"He may now have a crack at a winners' bumper and could then go novice hurdling after Christmas," said the trainer.< Pineau De Re (9-2) made a triumphant return after a 926-day absence to be a smooth winner of the Christmas Festival December 26th-29th Maiden Hurdle.

Trainer Philip Fenton had the seven-year-old cherry ripe for his comeback as he swept to a five-length victory from Zagman in the hands of Brian O'Connell.

"It's great to get him back on the track. The plan was just to get him started back and I was more anxious to start back at two miles, although I think he'll be better over further," said Fenton.

"Overall his jumping was very good. We're in no great rush with him but I could look at one of the novice hurdles back here at Christmas."

Davy Russell took the jockey honours with a near 33-1 double on Knockfierna (11-4) in the Munster Mares Maiden Hurdle for Charles Byrnes and on Liam Burke's Theresathingwrong (8-1) in the Friends Of Greenmount Handicap Chase.