Moscow Express bounced back from a slightly pointing effort at Down Royal when taking the Morris Oil Chase at Clonmel yesterday.

Micko's Dream was all the rage for this Grade Two event and the 4 to 6 favourite looked set to justify the confidence when cruising into a challenging position entering the straight. However, Moscow Express responded to a positive drive from Shay Barry, meeting the final two fences on a perfect stride and went on to win by two and a half lengths.

The pace-setting Ferbet Junior weakened in the straight to finish 12 lengths further back in third, while Puget Blue was put down after breaking his near-fore on the downhill run after three out.

Winning trainer Frances Crowley is due back this evening from her honeymoon, but was represented by her sister Angela, who said, "He's as tough as old boots, and there are plenty of races for him."

The Premier Cat, trained by Tom Cahill and ridden by his son Mark, relished a test of stamina in the three-mile INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle.

Bobby McNally partnered his first winner since returning last month from a spell work-riding in the US aboard Mr Sneaky Boo in the Powers Gold Label Handicap Hurdle.

Hourigan later completed a double in the bumper where Beef Or Salmon drew clear inside the final quarter under Philip Fenton to beat Cailin's Perk by 15 lengths.

Knife Edge got back on the winning trail for trainer Michael O'Brien and earned a possible trip to Sandown next month in the Poplar Square Chase at Naas on Saturday.

Taken wide all the way by Tom Rudd, Knife Edge was only third jumping the final fence but quickened nicely for a half-length verdict over Shannon Gale. "It was a messy race but he travelled sweetly and quickened up well enough when Tom got after him," said O'Brien.