Ballyamber made light of very testing conditions to land the 3-mile INH Stallion Owners EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle Series Final in impressive fashion under Ruby Walsh at Fairyhouse today. Prince Of Tara fell when holding every chance two out, but it is unlikely that the topweight would have beaten Ballyamber, who beat Eskimo Jack by a facile four lengths.
"He has been showing plenty at home in the past few weeks, and would be better on good ground and over a shorter trip," said trainer Willie Mullins. "The Royal & SunAlliance Novice Hurdle is a possibility, although he could wait for the Fairyhouse and Punchestown Festivals," he added.
Sheltering was an absentee from the hunter chase, where Joe Blake, who may have beaten him but for a last fence fall at Leopardstown last time, justified 5/4 favouritism. Ian Ferguson's charge was produced from off the pace by Liam Lennon, challenging in the straight to beat Johann Sebastian by one length. "He will be entered for the Foxhunters at Cheltenham, and the owner is keen to run," said Ferguson.
Dessie Hughes has the Kim Muir Handicap Chase at Cheltenham and the Irish National as possible targets for Timbera, who completed a handicap four-timer under Kieran Kelly in the Tom Dreaper Handicap Chase. Charlie Swan partnered a 16 1/2 to 1 double aboard Heroic & Dutsdale Dancer.
Heroic, which is also trained by Swan for J P McManus, made virtually all the running in the maiden hurdle, keeping on well in the straight to beat Kiora lady by five lengths. Dutsdale Dancer was patiently-ridden by the former champion in the handicap hurdle, striking the front at the last to beat Sheer Frustration by one-and-a-half lengths.
"He deserved that, and Charlie thinks we should have a go at the Coral Eurobet Handicap Hurdle. I've never had a runner at the Festival before," said local permit holder Tony Whelan. Brigade Charge (9/4f) held off Kimberley in the beginners chase, while Whithworth Ben completed a good day for punters when drawing clear inside the final quarter-mile to take the bumper.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
