Paul Nolan’s Sam Adams ran out the five and a half lengths winner of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase at Fairyhouse today, moving jockey Davy Russell onto the 44 winner mark for the season.

11/10 favourite Arabella Boy disappointed badly having again folded badly in the closing stages, leaving Sam Adams, who had jumped well throughout, to score a five and a half lengths win.

Afterwards Nolan stated “I was a bit worried that the trip was too short but his jumping was brilliant. This time last year I didn’t think it would take him this long to win a beginners’ chase though!”

He then joked “I have three horses, Clan Tara, Alpha Ridge and this fellow (Sam Adams) rated between 130-140 and it must be some training performance to finally get one of them to win a beginners’ chase!”

Tom Weekes