Ross Geraghty partnered a 129/1 double at Fairyhouse aboard Merulana and Kergaul, with the latter only promoted after 20 length 'winner' Late In The Day was disqualified for taking the wrong course. The drama occurred just after the omitted sixth last fence in the novice handicap chase, with Paul Wade bringing Late In The Day to the right and inside the running rail, instead of outside. The stewards had no alternative but to disqualify the front-running seven-year-old gelding, with Kergaul the fortunate beneficiary.
Paul Wade, rider of Late In The Day, was given a two-day suspension (April 26-27) and ordered to forfeit his riding fee following the incident. The sixth last fence was omitted due to waterlogging on the take-off side.
Robbie Osborne is considering a tilt at the Champion 4yo Hurdle in Punchestown next Thursday with Lafayette. Shay Barry's mount led in the straight to beat the staying on Stacumny Bridge by half a length in the 4yo maiden hurdle. "He needed that run and, providing he comes out of this race well, may go to Punchestown. He's a nice hurdleprospect," said Osborne.
Pat Hughes is also looking forward to the Co Kildare venue next week with Rule Supreme. The 6yo gelding made hard work of justifying odds-on favouritism in the 2 mile 4 furlong novice hurdle, holding off the persistent challenge of Four Aces by a length. "He had to work for it, but is tough and stays really well. He will go for the 3m conditions hurdle on the Saturday at Punchestown," said Hughes.
Enda Bolger supplied the first two in the betting for the hunters chase, but it was Eoins Pride who landed the spoils rather than the odds-on Wap. Alan Fleming sent the 7yo to the front three out, and he stayed on gamely to beat West Of The Bann by a length and a half with Wap just a head back in third. "He will be entered for the Champion Hunters Chase at Punchestown, but may wait instead for Wexford the following week," said Bolger afterwards.
Laura Hourigan has enjoyed a successful spell in recent weeks, and she was on the mark again in the lady riders bumper when getting Jolly Moonbeam up close home.
Filed by Laura Reynolds
