Dessie Hughes took the training honours at a well-attended Fairyhouse, saddling a 6/1 double through Timbera and prolific winner I'vehadit. The latter initiated the brace when completing a four-timer with a gutsy effort in the two-mile-six-furlong handicap hurdle, pulling out all the stops to deny Lancero by the minimum margin. The progressive seven-year-old is likely to bid for a fifth straight win in a similar event after providing seven-pound claimer Paul Wade with his seventh career victory.
Timbera then struck in the following three-mile-one-furlong handicap chase, staying on gamely to see off the persistent challenge of Andrewjames by one-and-a-half lengths. "He jumped super, and there might just be another one in him," said Hughes, who went on to reveal that Colonel Braxton is likely to have his next outing in Leopardstown's Dr. PJ Moriarty Novice Chase.
Galway Breeze was produced with a well-timed challenge by Conor O'Dwyer to capture the featured Fairyhouse Handicap Hurdle. The Broussard gelding, bred by his owner Frank Cruess-Callaghan, seized the initiative on the run to the last, and a quick jump there put the seal on a comfortable three lengths defeat of Kapok. "I thought he'd run well, but didn't expect him to beat Ballykettrail as that one looked very well-in," said Arthur Moore.
Be My Better Half made a bold attempt to give the Naas handler a double of his own in the two-mile-five-furlong beginners chase, but was eventually reeled in by Oa Baldixe, with favourite Be My Royal an early casualty. Birmayne, runner-up to Rule Supreme at Leopardstown a week ago, justified his position at the head of the market with an authoritative performance in the two-mile-six-furlong maiden hurdle. The six year-old was confidently ridden by Norman Williamson, who sent him to the front approaching the final flight for an eight-length verdict over Elliptic. "He basically confirmed his Christmas form there," said successful trainer Edward O'Grady, who sees his charge as a three-mile chaser in the making.
Bottom-weight Zamnah ran out a comfortable winner of the opening two-mile maiden hurdle under Paul Moloney, seeing off Gimme Gimme by five lengths. "A nice little horse who had conditions in her favour today," was the post-race summation of trainer John Bowles. "She enjoys a bit of give in the ground like she had there," he added. Finally, 21-year-old Alan Fagan partnered 14/1 newcomer Ballyronan to victory in the bumper for local trainer John Fowler.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
