Review: Fairyhouse Tuesday action
Tuesday, 9 February 2010 17:36Kempes took full advantage of a blunder by Nicanor at the last to land a first success over fences in the www.fairyhouseracecourse.ie Beginners Chase.
A Grade Two winner over hurdles, Kempes (13-8) had found one too good in both previous outings over the bigger obstacles and looked to have a battle on his hands as he approached the final fence alongside the 8-11 favourite.
But Nicanor made a hash of it and Ruby Walsh found a willing response as Kempes went clear to win by four lengths for the Willie Mullins team.
The Mullins-trained Arvika Ligeonniere travelled like a winner for much of the Easter Festival 2010 Novice Hurdle, but had to settle for second spot behind Summit Meeting (2-1).
Jessica Harrington's charge, ridden by Robbie Power, jumped the second-last upsides the 4-6 favourite and put in a decisive burst to lead, but he was hanging on at the finish.
Walsh got a renewed challenge out of Arvika Ligeonniere, who was stepping down to two miles after winning over two and a half, and there was half a length in it at the line.
Shuil Aris looked to be going nowhere in the Ratoath Mares Maiden Hurdle, but Walsh had other ideas even though the 7-2 favourite still had it all to do at the final flight.
The champion conjured a big finish out of Paul Nolan's charge and just as Mary's Little Vic hit the front on the run-in, she flew past to score by a neck.
Walsh completed a treble when Seabass (5-2), trained by his father Ted, got the better of a duel with Kasimali down the straight to win the Corporate Hospitality Novice Handicap Chase comfortably.
Noel Meade's lightly-raced seven-year-old West Of The Border looks to be on the upgrade and followed up a Navan third with a commanding victory in the Ballybin Maiden Hurdle.
Birthday boy Paul Carberry sent the 3-1 market leader into the lead approaching the second-last and he stretched clear to beat Sea Stallion by eight lengths.
Will Jamie Run went off 7-2 favourite for the Solerina's Restaurant Handicap Hurdle and never gave supporters a moment's worry.
