The anticipated clash between two of last year’s leading staying hurdlers did not materialise at Thurles, but, in the absence of Prince Of Scars, the opening race proved a worthwhile schooling exercise for the Mouse Morris-trained Alpha Des Obeaux.

APT APPROACH got the full Ruby Walsh treatment to justify strong market support in the Grade 2 Matty Ryan Memorial Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles yesterday.

THE Oliver McKiernan-trained Follow The Plan was a shock 25-1 winner of the Grade 2 Matty Ryan Memorial Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles yesterday.

THE John Murphy-trained Newmill rekindled memories of the past when landing the Grade 2 Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles yesterday.