Ruby Walsh steered Feathard Lady to victory in the Anglo Irish Bank Hurdle on the opening day of the Northern Ireland Festival of Racing. The 9-4 favourite stayed on strongly to beat Sky's The Limit by four lengths.
Also at Down Royal, 7-4 favourite Laetitia had three lengths to spare from High Priestess in the Scarvagh House Stud Mares Novices' Hurdle.
Conor O'Dwyer had a double on Hear the Echo and Jirlan while Paul Carberry had a winner on Afistfullofdollars.
Noel Meade's seven-year-old had eight lengths to spare over Macs Flamingo at the line in the JWJ Porter & Co Beginners Chase and the trainer believes he could now be a Cheltenham Festival prospect.
"I've always thought he would be a chaser and I'm hoping he'll be a SunAlliance horse," Meade said.
"He'll go for the William Neville Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas and he'll have a run before then. I am absolutely delighted with him."
Cashmans quote Meade's charge at 20-1 for the Festival race.
MMIX
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