Glenhaven Nugget further advertised Edward O'Grady's wealth of talent among the current band of novice hurdlers by taking yesterday's opening Ballynonty Novice Hurdle in style.

The seven-year-old gelding travelled well throughout under Norman Williamson, striking the front between the final two flights to beat Light On The Broom by two lengths. The 5 to 4 favourite Woodys Deep Ocean could only stay on one-paced in seventh, and was later reported to have a nasal discharge.

"He liked the better ground, and hopefully will be a spring horse with Aintree and Fairyhouse in mind," said O'Grady.

Rathgar Beau could also be among the Irish raiding party at Aintree after justifying favouritism in the Holycross Novice Chase. However Eamonn "Dusty" Sheehy's charge nearly ruined a good round of jumping by failing to rise at the last, and Barry Geraghty did well to keep the partnership intact.

"He was jumping so well and taking off long that I decided to ask him for a big one again at the last but he put down," said the former champion jockey.

Sheehy was delighted with the performance, apart from the blunder at the final fence.

"He was entitled to win that, and may go next for a winner of two at Naas on Sunday week. Aintree is the main aim where there is a two-mile novice for him."

The Kilkenny handler had bad news of stable-companion Satco Express, who was also due to travel to Aintree. "He's developed an infection in a hind leg, and we will leave him off for the rest of the season," he said.

Leading claimer Keith Hadnett moved onto the 24-winner mark for the season when partnering Native Ride to take the Cashel Opportunity Maiden Hurdle. Paul Roche's charge led two out, and was driven clear to beat Criaire Princess by six lengths.

Blame The Ref, trained by Francis Flood and ridden by his son and namesake, proved an easy winner of the Cahir Handicap Hurdle. The gelding stretched clear in the straight to beat Christysconcerto by 11 lengths.

Rathkenny was always prominent under John Cullen in the Fethard Handicap Hurdle, and shrugged off the challenge of Native Guide after the last to score by a length and a half.

"He's not that big, and is happier on the better ground," said Fermoy trainer Liam O'Brien.

Dishy made virtually all for Garrett Cotter in the Tattersalls Ireland EBF Mares Beginners Chase, and rallied on the run-in to deny Tarqogan Thyne by a head.