Eddie Harty's 2008 Supreme Novices' Hurdle hero Captain Cee Bee defied a 608-day absence when making a winning start to his fencing career in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Beginners Chase.

The eight-year-old had been off the track with leg problems since April of last year and was sent off at 4-1 for this eagerly-awaited return.

It looked as though he would have to settle for the runner-up spot when Zaarito moved up ominously approaching the final obstacle but Captain Cee Bee found most for pressure to score by a neck.

Harty said: "That was good, better than good. He's done it well but nearly got caught out for the lack of a recent run in the last hundred yards.

"The race in Leopardstown (Bord Na Mona Fuels Novice Chase on Boxing Day) will probably be his next run."

Former David Pipe inmate Torphichen registered his first success since joining Edward O'Grady with an impressive display in the Listed Fishery Lane Hurdle.

O'Grady said: "I'm pleasantly surprised.

"I don't know where he'll go. I'll try to find another suitable race for him somewhere.

"I'm just pleased he did it as nicely as he did."< Little Barney (7-2) benefited from a fine front-running ride from Andrew Lynch to come out on top in the Racing Again At Naas 3rd January Maiden Hurdle.

Winning trainer Denis Cullen said: "He is an improving sort. We'll pick up a bit of experience with him and he'll go chasing next year."< Plaisir D'Estruval only had to kept up to his work to run out a ready winner of the Become A Naas Annual Member Handicap Chase in the hands of Davy Russell.

Winning trainer Arthur Moore said: "He's been a bit disappointing but he should pay his way and is a possibility for Limerick at Christmas."