Ruby Walsh opened his account for the new National Hunt season when partnering Greenflag Princess to a comfortable success in the Chadwicks Novice Hurdle at Wexford yesterday evening.

The eight-year-old mare, who is in foal to Saddlers' Hall, had her task eased when odds-on favourite Persian Life blundered and dropped away tamely at halfway. Greenflag Princess was sent on at the home turn to beat the pacesetting Jolly Side by four and a half lengths, and trainer Jimmy Mangan intends giving her another run or two over hurdles in the next few weeks.

Walsh had to settle for the runner-up spot either side of his victory. Kilfane made all under Kieran Gaule in the opening Bree Handicap Hurdle but needed to be driven right out on the run-in to hold Kayaliyna by half a length. "She has won a point-to-point and jumps very well," said trainer Eamon Sheehy afterwards.

The new champion also had to settle for second place aboard Sky Mover in the Ferrycarrig Hotel Maiden Hurdle, where Stitch-B was prominent throughout to score by two and a half lengths.