Dessie Hughes landed the Boylesports Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle at Thurles for the third year running as Giantofaman dominated the Grade Two feature.

As usual, the six-year-old was sent straight to the front but looked in trouble when he was joined by the chasing pack turning for home.

However, Paul Carberry had plenty left in the tank and his mount responded well by kicking clear approaching the last, recording a comfortable eight-length verdict from Gallant Tipp < Urano never looked like justifying his odds of 5-6 as he trailed home in sixth.

Philip Enright began the meeting with a double, starting with Way Up In The Air in the Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. Mares Beginners Chase.

The 11-4fav turned the opener into a procession with a bold front-running display and crossed the line nine lengths clear of Some Benefit

Only two of the four runners completed the Boylesports Rated Chase, and it was the Enright-ridden Letter Of Credit who emerged six lengths to the good over Competitive Edge

The 6-1 winner stalked the runner-up and Rupert Lamb turning for home, but it became a match when the 8-11 favourite fell at the second-last and James Mangan's nine-year-old proved too strong in the finish.< Cadspeed made it 15th time lucky over fences when justifying 2-1 favouritism in the Ballycahill Beginners Chase.

Ruby Walsh always looked in control on the long-time leader and the 11-year-old was driven out for a two and a quarter-length victory from Milan Breeze < Let's Celebrate (7-1) looked a nice prospect in upstaging triple bumper winner Shesafoxylady (4-9fav) to land the Killinan Maiden Hurdle by three lengths from Never Complain while Snowell held The Conker Club s late challenge by half a length to complete a quickfire double in the Tipperary (Lady Riders) Handicap Hurdle.< Whisper Rock (13-8fav) sent favourite backers home happy when staying on strongly to land the Horse And Jockey Mares Flat Race by four and a half lengths from Oneforlill