DUAL Gold Cup and Grand National hero, Jim Culloty, enjoyed his first ever success at Listowel when partnering Al Eile to a shock 12-1 victory in the Devon Inn three-year-old Hurdle at the first stage of the Festival yesterday.

RATHGAR BEAU, back on his favourite track, totally outclassed his rivals to land the Holycross Novice ’Chase at Thurles yesterday. He survived a very scary moment at the final fence, however, when well clear.

NOW that Willie Mullins’ horses are finally hitting top gear, his Heezapistol looks well worth risking in the Holycross Novice Chase at Thurles this afternoon.

THE rapidly improving Barrow Drive cannot be opposed in the Irish Field Novice Chase at Punchestown this afternoon, on a programme which is set to house a huge amount of runners.

THURLES, priceless to the game in the winter, is set to beat the elements this afternoon with an eight-race programme.