Project in Cheltenham Festival frame

Strong Project could have the Coral Cup at Cheltenham as a long-term target after his battling success in the Vendee Hurdle at Thurles on Thursday.

Sean O'Brien's charge showed terrific determination to get the better of Wild Passion after a protracted duel in the 2m6f event.

The front-runner had been headed by the 1/1f approaching three out but was soon back on terms and Johnny Allen got a great tune from the 10-year-old as he proved too strong for the hot-pot in the closing stages.

'He'll go for the Clonmel Oil Chase next and could turn out to be a Coral Cup horse,' revealed O'Brien. 'He is still reasonably handicapped over hurdles and we'll mix it with him.'

Francis Crowley saddled a double on the card courtesy of Smarty Socks and Victoria Night.

Smarty Socks showed the benefit of his experience when making all to claim the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden by two-and-a-half lengths.

'He's a nice horse. I'm not sure if he'll run again this season - we'll see how he comes out of this race,' said Crowley.

Victoria Night opened her jumping account in good style when claiming the Killinan 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle by four-and-a-half lengths and could have earned herself a trip to France.

'She's entered in a 3-y-o fillies hurdle at Auteuil on Saturday week. It's a valuable race and we are thinking of going,' said Crowley. We also have Haroni in on the Sunday.'

No Frontier celebrated a substantial milestone in the best possible style by claiming the second division of the apprentice handicap.

Tom Hogan's charge was making her 100th racecourse appearance and recorded her customary annual success, having now won a race a year for 5 seasons.

'She's as tough as nails and is only 14'3'. It's possible that she might be covered next year,' said Hogan.

Another Jayjay registered his first success when running out a convincing winner of the first division under Emmet Butterly.

Jayo made a winning move before the straight in the Horse And Jockey Maiden, staying on well under Davy Condon to score by two-and-a-half lengths from Baron De'l.

The French-bred is owned by Glasnevin publican Peter Garvey, who named the gelding after Dublin footballer Jason Sherlock.

Cashmans obviously see the winner as the type to do well over hurdles, installing him as 25/1 co-favourite for the Triumph Hurdle.

Swiss Hall ground out success in the October Race, staying on dourly down the straight to collar Kerryhead Windfarm and score by four lengths.

Trainer John Kiely nominated a three-mile hurdle at Cork on Sunday week as next on the agenda for the winner.