MALACCA KING fared best of the Cheltenham entries on show at Clonmel yesterday, where he won the White Sands Catering Hurdle in convincing fashion. Although ridden along before the straight, he joined Native Joy at the second last hurdle and went right away under David Casey to win by three lengths from his stable companion, Betterbebob.

Winning trainer Willie Mullins said: "He is a real chaser in the making and is improving all the time. He would probably be a better horse over a longer trip and is a possible for the Sun Alliance Hurdle."

Indeed, Malacca King may well be joined at Cheltenham by Castle Archer, who delighted Willie Mullins when finishing second to Castlekelly leader on his jumping debut in the Redmonstown Maiden Hurdle.

The winner, whose several mistakes included ones at the final two flights, will, however, miss Cheltenham, according to his trainer, Paddy Mullins, despite winning by five lengths.

Padashpan completed a double for Willie Mullins and his talented claimer, David Casey, when surviving a mistake at the last to win the Surehall Mercedes Chase from the favourite, Anabatic.

Mull ins and Casey were perhaps a little unlucky not to complete a treble with Casey Jane, who veered badly to the left after the last in the Powerstown EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle, allowing Peace Time Girl to score a narrow success.

Only five of the 14 starters managed to complete in the Sportsman Hunters Chase, where victory went to Stay In Touch, ridden by Dermot Costello for his brother John.

Having been passed fit to resume riding before the opening race, Norman Williamson returned to the saddle in the Powerstown EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle.

Although his mount, Alice Freyne, finished only 13th, Williamson was more than satisfied with his first ride back. "I feel much better than I thought I was and the leg feels just fine."

He intends riding at either Newbury or Navan tomorrow and expects to resume his successful partnership with Master Oats at Leopardstown on Sunday.