Even-money favourite Minella Tipperary dictated a sedate pace that still had Maguire pushing along with a circuit to go in the VC Casino. com 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle.

However, he responded well and led two out, pulling steadily away for a 16-length success.

Maljimar's third behind Nadover and Nozic at Chepstow last time was starting to look quite useful form and so it proved as he ran away with the VC Casino. com Novices' Handicap Chase by five lengths.

Ruby Walsh was looking confident aboard recent Hereford winner Officier De Reserve, but 7-2 shot Maljimar (Wayne Hutchinson) took him on at the third-last and easily won out.

Green Belt Flyer (20-1) seemed to enjoy the step up in trip in the VC Casino. com Handicap Chase, but not without a fair slice of luck.

Sam Thomas had the winner in contention at the fourth-last when The Duckpond suddenly pulled up and was quickly dismounted while interfering with the favourite Yes My Lord.

Green Belt Flyer was left at the front and galloped away by nine lengths, with Harrycone Lewis second.

Madison Du Berlais got up close home to deny Nozic in the VC Casino. com Gold Cup Handicap Chase. Tom Scudamore brought David Pipe's charge with a perfectly-timed run from the rear to take the lead in the dying strides.

Nozic looked like defying top weight when he went on after five out. Although Ruby Walsh on Nozic shrugged off the challenges of Marcel and No Full, he could not hold the late bid of Madison Du Berlais (12-1), who scored by a neck.