MAN OF ARRAN staged a 15-length winning debut over fences at his favourite Thurles yesterday, ending a lengthy losing run for his freelance rider Kevin O'Brien.

Successful here on the flat, Pat O'Leary's six-year-old chased Saculorc from an early stage and, taking up the running before the third last, had only to clear the last to win as he liked. Three times successful over hurdles, Man Of Arran could do well over fences.

Kharasar, successful in the December Hurdle at Leopardstown, started favourite, and while he made good ground at the top of the course, he faded quickly. He will be the better for the run.

Always difficult to beat in a tight finish, Charlie Swan landed Brook Hill Lady, a one-length winner from Castalino in the Thurles Handicap Chase. The Aidan O'Brien trained top weight was always with the pace and this time jumped much better than she had at Punchestown.

Swan will be in action on O'Brien's charge Just Little in today's Murphys In A Bottle Hurdle at Cheltenham, where she will be favourite to beat her three rivals.

Waterford jockey Shay Barry (24), completed a double - his fourth - with Collon Leader in the opening opportunity hurdle and Laurens Fancy in the Loughmore Handicap Hurdle. Mistakes over the last two were not going to stop the Tony Martin-trained Collon Leader from beating The Wicked Chicken, and Laurens Fancy had her race won from the top of the course as she raced clear. Trained by Pat Flynn, Laurens Fancy jumps well and should win again.

Had Martys Step jumped the last flight cleanly he must have won the Tipperary Maiden Hurdle. However, having led over the second last, he met the obstacle all wrong, sprawled on landing and surrendered the initiative to Hill Of Hope, who just held on after his rival had battled back bravely. Winning rider Willie Slattery collected a four day suspension for excessive use of the whip.

Matts, Dilemma, the oldest horse in the race, won the Holycross Hurdle in the hands of Frank Woods. He joined the favourite Merchants Quay at the second last and stayed on to win by three-and-a-half lengths.