LITTLE BUCK, Native Joy and Tell The Nipper, three of 26 Irish-trained entries for Cheltenham's Sun Alliance Novice Hurdle, were on trial in yesterday's Irish National Hunt Novice Hurdle Series at a sunny Fairyhouse. Little Buck, who just got the better of Native Joy, will make the trip if he is not sold beforehand.

Ridden by Charlie Swan, Little Buck made his ground as Farnan showed the way over the second-last flight and, shading the latter on rising to the last, held by half a length the fast-finishing Native Joy.

Little Buck is owned and trained by permit holder Stephen Cullen, manager of the Thurles greyhound stadium, who said he will send the eight-year-old to the Tattersalls sales a week before Cheltenham. If he gets a decent price, he will let him go - "it will keep my bank manager happy".

Conor O'Dwyer, who celebrated his 50th winner of the season - most of them over fences - on Imperial Call in Sunday's Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup, landed the Kilsallaghan Beginners Chase on Pat O'Leary's Common Policy. Jumping extremely well for this his first venture over fences, the seven-year-old made all the running to win as he liked.

O'Dwyer has a couple of enviable mounts in Imperial Call and Strong Platinum at Cheltenham, although the pair need contrasting going.

Irish interests in the Champion Chase will certainly be sharply divided between yesterday's impressive Ascot winner Sound Man and Strong Platinum, not forgetting Klairon Davis, who is now recovered from injury.

Twin Rainbow overcame a bad blunder at the third-last fence to win the Impudent Barney Handicap Chase in the hands of Liam Cusack. Risk Of Thunder looked to have the race in safe keeping as he crossed the last comfortably ahead, but Twin Rainbow finished like a train to get up in the last few strides.

Mulkev Prince won the opening Fanmond Maiden Hurdle, but only just, from Irish Breeze, whose rider Trevor Horgan was handed a two-day suspension for using his whip with excessive force and frequency.

Cowanstown Lady jumped well to win the Normans Grove Handicap Chase, holding the strong challenge of top weight Steel Mirror.