Thurles hosted the final domestic meeting before Christmas yesterday, and Slaney Native justified his banker tag for punters when making virtually all under Barry Geraghty to land the featured Horse And Jockey Hotel Hurdle.

The Jessica Harrington-trained gelding held a clear advantage entering the straight, and only needed to be ridden out with hands and heels to hold the staying on Lawz by a length. Slaney Native will now head for a conditions chase at Tramore on New Year's Day.

Ruby Walsh moved onto the 51 winner mark, 10 ahead of Geraghty, after partnering Expat to a surprise win in division one of the Killough INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle. The Andrew McNamara-trained gelding headed the gambled-on newcomer Bunratty Castle approaching the final flight to score by five and a half lengths.

Andy Slattery is considering a tilt at the Thyestes Chase in Gowran Park next month with Hennessy Feeds, who finished strongly from the last to snatch the spoils in the Molony Cup Handicap Chase.

On Saturday, Be My Royal completed a hat-trick over hurdles this term when taking the Grade Three Stayers' Novice Hurdle in clearcut fashion. Ruby Walsh notched up his half century of winners for the season aboard the six-year-old gelding, who was up with the pace throughout and drew clear from the home turn to beat Trevino by 20 lengths.

`He is improving all the time, and will probably go next for a two and a half mile novice at Naas,' said trainer Willie Mullins.

The Mullins/Walsh team were also fancied to take the EBF Maiden Hurdle with the odds-on shot Adamant Approach but he proved a big disappointment, finding little under pressure after three out as Native Kin kept on well to score by eight lengths.

Rose Of Inchiquin's proven stamina came into play when wearing down Masseuse in the closing stages of the EBF Tattersalls (Ire) Mares Beginners Chase. "We may go next for a Grade 3 novice at Cork on St Stephen's Day," said trainer Sean Treacy.