Clonakilty trainer Ray Hurley reported his stable-star Imperial Call "in good order" after saddling Argideen Vale to win the Finches Maiden Hurdle in the hands of reigning champion Ruby Walsh at Ballinrobe last evening.

Referring to the 1996 Gold Cup hero, who bounced back into the limelight in no uncertain terms when landing the featured Heineken Gold Cup at the Punchestown Festival in April, Hurley said: "The horse looks great and only came back in a couple of days ago. All going well he will kick off his new campaign at either Gowran or Clonmel in October."

Walsh went on to complete a double in the Bank of Ireland Beginners Chase when Diamond Melody shrugged off Ten Four on the run-in.

A stewards inquiry was called as the winner appeared to cross over onto the half-length runner-up, forcing Jason Titley to check briefly, but much to the relief of trainer Tom Cooper no alteration was made to the judges' placings.

"Thank God for that," he said before adding, "He injured his back at Clonmel in March and has only been back for about seven weeks. He'll go to Galway for a novice chase on the Thursday." Niall McCullagh found the winners enclosure after the two mile maiden when teaming up with John Muldoon's Mild And Breezy to score with the minimum of fuss.

Tiffosi defied top-weight with a bold pillar to post victory under Wayne Smith in the six furlong handicap prompting winning handler Ger Lyons to say: "She's very, very genuine and I thought it looked an easy opportunity coming here compared to other races around at the moment."