Davenport Milenium bounced back to form with an authoritative triumph in the two mile two furlong novice hurdle as the four-day festival got under way before a good crowd at Fairyhouse on Sunday. Backed down to 3/1 favourite, the Insan gelding was always prominent and merely had to be ridden out from the last to get the better of Rule Supreme. A delighted Mullins revealed afterwards: "It looks like he's back to the good horse we thought he was. He's over the few problems he had and will go to Punchestown now." Mullins later doubled up when well-touted newcomer Joueur D'Estruval made a highly impressive debut in what looked a hot bumper event under James Nash.
Fnan was given a typically confident ride by Paul Carberry to master favourite Bob Justice after the last in the two mile hurdle, the perfect outcome to the Meath jockey's first ride since returning from injury. Trainer Noel Meade confirmed: "He's entered in a couple of races at Liverpool later in the week, and it's not beyond the realms of possibility he could go there if he comes out of this well. The ground went against him at Cheltenham (where he finished down the field in the Coral Cup), but he has been really flying since and the weights were in his favour today."
Native Beat was a popular winner of the opening two mile chase, already looking to have the measure of market leader Topacio when that rival took what sadly proved to be a fatal fall two out. The seven-year-old jumped boldly throughout under owner-rider 26-year-old Daisy Duggan, who was registering a maiden victory under rules on her first ever ride over fences, and had an easy five lengths to spare at the line. "Daisy rides him every day, and jumps all sorts of obstacles with him", said trainer John Fowler, who may now aim his charge at Punchestown's La Touche Cup.
Take Flite scored an easy win in the two mile maiden hurdle under a motionless Ross Geraghty, seeing off Dans Dealer by three lengths on a tight rein. Trainer Tony Mullins admitted afterwards: "We were shocked when he got beaten first time at Thurles, and I have no idea what happened at Punchestown last time. He'll probably go back there for a winners-of-one at the festival."
Few racegoers could have expected to see a more impressive winner during the afternoon, but Rheindross managed it with a ridiculously easy success in the two mile four furlong handicap chase. The 3/1 favourite ran disappointingly when gambled-on at Limerick last time, but it was a different story here as he jumped superbly and was always cantering over his rivals, eventually scoring by twelve lengths.
Aimees Mark came out on top for Francis Flood and his son Fran in a highly-competitive two mile handicap hurdle.
Filed by Shane Murray
