The highly-regarded Rule The World coasted to an impressive victory in the Grade 2 Slaney Novice Hurdle in Naas yesterday as 1/4 favourite Champagne Fever flopped badly, trailing in a distant third before being found to have “a respiratory tract infection”.

Flemenstar exacted resounding revenge on Bog Warrior when landing the Grade 3 Naas Directors Novice Chase in Naas yesterday.

Monksland is a best-priced 25/1 for Cheltenham’s Neptune Investments Novice Hurdle following a fluent victory over Lyreen Legend and Dedigout in the Grade 2 Slaney Novice Hurdle in Naas yesterday.

WILLIE MULLINS landed the Grade 2 Slaney Hurdle at Naas yesterday, not with 6/4 favourite Bishopsfurze, but with front-running Gagewell Flyer, enterprisingly ridden by the trainer’s nephew Emmet.

THERE’S little doubt tomorrow’s Grade 1 Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown lacks quality, with the likes of Kauto Star, Denman, Exotic Dancer and Kicking King absent.