Grand National hero Hedgehunter finished well adrift of the principals on his return to action in the Hooke & MacDonald Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
Willie Mullins' nine-year-old, who has not been seen on a racecourse since landing the Aintree feature in great style last April, finished 14th of 23 runners in the three-mile contest, which was won in good style by Lovely Present.
Mullins is now hoping Hedgehunter will benefit from the experience once his yard returns to form.
"If the horses had been running better I would be disappointed because I thought he was fit enough today," explained the County Carlow handler.
"But it hasn't been a good weekend and we are under a bit of a cloud at the moment. They seem fine at home but when they come to the course they are not finding much off the bridle.
"Hopefully it is just a minor thing and we will pick up in a week or two, so in the circumstances it probably wasn't a bad run and provided he seems OK I will probably stick to the original plan and take him for the Lexus Chase (at Leopardstown on December 28) now."
Lovely Present was a rousing two-length victor from 100-30 favourite Rare Ouzel, with Tucker Geraghty's charge (12-1) stalking long-time leader Santa's Son before sweeping past his rival at the last to score in decisive fashion.
Santa's Son finished two lengths further in arrears, while Numbersixvalverde came from another parish to take fourth spot.
