The season’s leading rider, Mark Walsh, started the New Year in great style when completing a fine treble on Missyspet, Noble Emperor and Sword Fish in Fairyhouse yesterday.

Cillian’s Return, bought out of Bill Farrell’s by J P McManus after taking a bumper at Fairyhouse on New Year’s Day, made a winning start for his new connections when easily taking the Michael Maher Building And Construction Services Maiden Hurdle at Tipperary last night.