THE open division has certainly been bolstered this season by the addition of track recruit Diese Des Bieffes (119++) after he took apart a quality field which included former Cheltenham Foxhunters victor It Came To Pass and the 140-rated track performer Fils D’Oudairies.

The eight-year-old did have the advantage of recent race fitness as a change in tactics to his recent Monksgrange success saw him set a strong tempo with only Fils D’Oudairies looking to lie up with him. However, he was soon faltering and Diese Des Bieffes powered clear in a particularly impressive display. He could have a big season ahead.

A number of talented performers have emerged from the horses that Pat Doyle and Walter Connors have started out between the flags, and Amirite (90++) could well be another after he opened his account at the first time of asking with a great deal seemingly up his sleeve, while the four-year-old maiden saw Kansas City Star (92+) and Lindaka (92x) leave their rivals very much trailing behind as they pulled clear before the latter came down at the last while upsides. Both have strong track careers ahead.

At Moira, those who excelled in the jumping department were rewarded in both the four- and five-year-old maidens as Bold Reaction (91+) overhauled the pace-setting Cillians Charm (89+) when that horse erred at the last in a very strongly run opener where the race was fought out by those who raced prominently, with former hurdler Garm Colombe (88+) similarly benefitting from a better jump at the last to win on his debut in this sphere.