NICANOR, winner of the SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle at Cheltehnam, got an enterprising drive from champion-elect Ruby Walsh in the Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa Champion Novice Hurdle.

Nicanor followed up his Cheltenham Festival success in gritty style when taking the Grade One Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa Champion Novice Hurdle on the final day of the Punchestown Festival.

North Devon trainer Nick Williams paid his first visit to Newcastle racecourse and the 690-mile round trip was rewarded when Philson Run ran out a very game winner of the totesport Eider Chase.