Noel Meade continued his recent run of success when teaming up with Paul Carberry to take the opening two Graded races with Thari and Strong Run in front of 4,582 racegoers at Fairyhouse. Thari was confidently ridden by Carberry in the AIB Festival Novice Hurdle, quickening to the front before the last to beat One Night Out by a length and a half.
"The change in ground made a big difference to him. He jumps and stays well, and will go next for the 2m4f Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown," said Meade. The Navan handler brought his tally to seven here this week when Strong Run justified favouritism in the Dan Moore Handicap Chase. The Strong Gale gelding jumped superbly, and led in the straight for a four length victory over Killultagh Storm. "He jumps well and travels great, and will now go for the BMW Chase at the Punchestown Festival," said Meade.
Adrian Lane (20) partnered his sixth, and easily his biggest, winner to date when Verney Bird landed the Final of the EBF Mares Novice Hurdle Series. Mick Halford's charge led two out, holding the persistent challenge of Spirit Leader by a length and a half and also surviving a stewards enquiry into possible interference.
Kimberley (John Cullen) is another en route to Punchestown later this month after holding off Never Compromise by a length in the beginners chase. Trainer Pat Hughes was carrying his left arm in a sling having sustained a compound fracture due to a kick from Rapid Deployment at home a few weeks ago. Hughes said: "Kimberley has improved in the last six weeks, and likes decent ground. He's entered in the David Austin at Punchestown, but may be too far out of the handicap.'
Cullen later completed a double aboard Oneofourown in the 3m1f handicap chase, with with Shane Donohoe's charge jumping to the front four out to beat Monks Error by four lengths. Local trainer Al O'Connell was on the mark with Flaming Lord in the maiden hurdle, with Tom Treacy's mount driven right out to beat Stashedaway by a diminishing half length. The Biker made a winning debut in the bumper, leading a furlong out before holding on by half length from The Galway Man.
Filed by Laura Reynolds
