LAST season’s Irish National hero Burrows Saint signalled that he will be of considerable interest over the coming months as he came out on top in the Bet With Tote at Punchestown Hurdle.

An intriguing edition of this two-and-a-half-mile contest saw the former Gold Cup winner Sizing John return from two years off. The 10-year-old’s comeback looked to be going very nicely as he moved into second coming to the third last only to come down a stride after that obstacle.

Happily he galloped away unscathed and this display signalled that plenty of his old ability remains intact. His next run, which could come in either the Kinloch Brae or the Galmoy Hurdle, will be awaited with some interest.

The winner produced a bold display up front for Rachael Blackmore, who was notching up her first success in the colours of Susannah Ricci. Burrows Saint (13/2) got loose on the lead early in the backstraight and from this point on he was able to maintain a commanding advantage that saw him come home with three and a quarter lengths to spare.

Stablemates Saglawy, Sayo and Stratum completed the placings. The winner was trimmed into 14/1 for the Grand National.

“It was an opportunistic win for him and Rachael did exactly what she was told,” reflected Willie Mullins, who has no firm plans for the winner. “It was a nice surprise as he wasn’t well treated by the race conditions.”

Earlier, the same owner and trainer struck with the Paul Townend-ridden Salsaretta (8/11) who followed up her taking chasing debut in November in the Tote-sponsored mares’ chase over just short of two and a half miles.

The strong-travelling favourite looked to have matters under control when she eased to the front for Paul Townend before the turn-in but a dogged Agusta Gold kept her up to her work and there was just three and a quarter lengths separating the front pair at the line.

“She’s a very slick jumper and she’d prefer softer ground. I’ll try and go back into novice company with her now,” reported Mullins.

O’Brien and Elliott both continue their good run

JOSEPH O’Brien’s tremendous run of form yielded a one-two in the Tote-sponsored beginners chase over an extended three miles but not in the order the market expected as the Gigginstown House Stud-owned Smoking Gun (7/2) defeated Early Doors (9/4 favourite).

In a dramatic conclusion, Small Farm and Discordantly fell independently at the second last when vying for the lead.

The J.J. Slevin-ridden Smoking Gun did well to avoid both casualties, whereas Early Doors was hampered. The latter got back an even keel but couldn’t make any impression on Smoking Gun after the last as the Gold Well gelding maintained an unfaltering tempo to prevail by four lengths. The winner should progress well over staying trips this season.

Collared

Pasley was the 6/4 favourite to give the trainer a double in the Tote-sponsored three-year-old maiden hurdle, but after appearing to do everything right he was collared at the last by the well-backed Gealach (7/1-9/2).

One of four representatives in the race for Gordon Elliott, the Davy Russell-ridden gelding used the experience of his three previous runs over hurdles to good use as he carried the day by four and a half lengths. The Bronx Boys Partnership-owned winner could be aimed at the Fred Winter at Cheltenham.

Another trainer enjoying a fine run of things is Oliver McKiernan who sent out his third winner of the festive period courtesy of Mister Eddman in the Tote-sponsored two-and-a-half-mile handicap hurdle.

The son of Sans Frontieres ran some way below his best here several weeks previously but was returned a well-backed 6/1 shot to bounce back to form.

Mister Eddman came under pressure sooner than some of his rivals but finished out strongly for Barry Browne (received a one-day whip ban) to defeat Avellino by a length and three-quarters.

“The drying ground suited him and we made too much use of him the last day. He’ll probably stay a bit further,” commented the trainer whose charge is owned by the Keep The Faith Syndicate.

Change in fortunes for comeback Hand

DANNY Hand, who has spent much of this season on the sidelines, enjoyed a welcome change of luck as he teamed up with Cedar Hill to land the 80-95 rated Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.

The lightly raced five-year-old was returned at 7/1 having been available at 20/1 earlier in the day and he defeated Balaclava by two and a half lengths to look like one that could add to his tally in the next few weeks. Shane Crawley trains the winner for Patrick McKeon.

The racing year in Ireland ended with a shock as the 66/1 shot Highstreet Roller made all the running in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Flat Race over two and a quarter miles. Tom Gibney’s charge came into this race as a five-race maiden and left her previous form behind under Noel McParlan to defeat Jeremys Jewel by five lengths.

“I thought she’d do that this time last year but I should have had her wind operated on well before I did and this is the first time she’s had her ground since we did her wind,” reported Gibney. “Decent ground is very important to her and luckily she has a very patient owner in Leonard Kinsella.”