IRISH REPORTS:WINS NOW failed to live up to expectations as he could finish only second in Wexford's Richard Browne and Sons Ltd Hurdle.
The seven-year-old looked set for big things over fences this term after claiming second behind the subsequent Arkle winner Tidal Bay on his final hurdles start at Aintree last April.
But the Niall Madden-trained gelding failed to take to chasing, prompting connections to switch back to the smaller obstacles.
Sent off the 1 to 3 favourite, Wins Now could not take advantage of the apparent easy task in the two-mile heat, finishing four-and-a-half lengths adrift of Call Me Max (10 to 1).
Eoin Doyle is now eyeing a trip to Fairyhouse's Easter weekend meeting with his winner.
"This horse has not run since October but he runs well fresh," he said. "Shay (Barry, the jockey) said when the horse got his second wind, he knew he was going to get there."
Meanwhile at Down Royal, In The Loop (8 to 1) dented some lofty reputations in the Tennent's Number One Chase for Roy Wilson.
Pre-race attention had centred on John Smith's Grand National hopefuls Dun Doire and Point Barrow, but it was the Roger Loughran-ridden 10-year-old who came home in front.
He had four-and-a-half lengths to spare over Tony Martin's Dun Doire, who has failed to finish the last two renewals of the Aintree spectacular. Point Barrow, a first-fence faller when 8 to 1 co-favourite last year, was third.
Wilson is a car dealer from Larne, Co Antrim, and has held a licence for six years.
"He'll go for the Scottish National hopefully because he won't get in the Irish National," said Wilson. "He lacked confidence before going to Downpatrick last time. He stays all day."
Prince Of Leisure made a winning debut under rules with an effortless success in the Hoegaarden Beginners Chase, although the race was rendered less competitive after the odds-on Offaly unshipped Paul Carberry mid-race.
The eight-year-old, who finished third behind the smart Snowy Morning in a 2006 point-to-point, cruised to the front turning for home in the three-mile contest and careered away on the bridle to score by 10 lengths from Earl Of Kilcombe.
