< Bahrain Storm staked a strong claim for back-to-back victories in the Arthur Guinness Galway Hurdle later this month when successful at Tipperary.

Trainer Pat Flynn is looking forward to taking the seven-year-old to Ballybrit again after he beat 2006 Galway hero Cuan Na Grai in the Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Hurdle in great style.

Taking it up between the final two flights, Bahrain Storm (3-1) pulled five lengths clear of Cuan Na Grai with Cooper's Crest third.

"We knew he was in savage order coming here today and we'll head for the Galway Hurdle again next - this win will leave him spot-on for it," said Flynn.

"He has 11st 8lb at Galway and I might claim 7lb off him then. This was a fine stepping stone for him."

David Casey guided Glenstal Abbey (9-4) to a debut win over fences in the Family Day Beginners Chase.

The six-year-old led home one-two for owner JP McManus as Wise Old Owl stayed on for minor honours.

"I'm delighted with that as he jumped well enough and although it is hard to know what to make of the race, he seemed to be idling," said trainer Charlie Swan.

"We'll probably skip Galway as it may come a bit soon."< Pom Flyer (3-1) overcame some alarming jumping errors to take the Packie Downey Memorial Chase in the hands of Barry Geraghty.

Pom Flyer jumped badly left at the second-last obstacle and with the race at his mercy, got the last wrong.

Winning trainer Francis Flood's son Fran said: "I'm delighted to have finally won a chase with Pom Flyer. Tipperary's tight track suits him better than the likes of Punchestown and Leopardstown.

"We actually had him put out on grass recently but brought him in after four days after we saw the conditions for this race.

"We might aim him at Listowel next as it is a similar track to here."