Bob brings up cross-card Harrington double in Fairyhouse Grade Two

The Grade Two Colm Quinn BMW Novice Hurdle saw Jessica Harrington complete a cross-card double at Fairyhouse with the Robbie Power-ridden Ashdale Bob Ya Ya Baby won the opener at Cork under Sean O’Keeffe for Commonstown, and Ashdale Bob and Decimation served up a fantastic finish to the two and a half mile 35,000 Euro contest.

Robbie Power just got Ashdale Bob home by a neck, with the front pair thirteen lengths clear of the third, 4/5 favourite Gentlemansgame Egality Mans was in front when falling three out, bringing down stable companion Power Of Pause

Egality Mans’ jockey Paul Townend was taken to hospital for a precautionary x-ray on his foot. The champion jockey was stood down for the rest of the day.

“After jumping three hurdles I considered pulling him up. He was never travelling and usually he’s too keen,” said Power.

“The further the race went the better he got going and he’s a horse that’ll stay further in time.

“He’s won two Grade Twos this season now so far so it’s been a good season for him.

“I was on fumes going to the last but to be fair to him he was brave.

“He was very long at the second last and to go down and jump the last the way he did was good and brave.

“I think the ground is a lot slower than yesterday. It’s actually riding on the dead side today so it’s taking plenty more getting.”

Meanwhile Mrs Harrington's daughter Kate commented: “Robbie said it was pure class that got him through it. He’s grown a lot since Christmas. He’s only turned six this year and is starting to fill his frame. He’s going to be a lovely horse next season.

“We’ll have a chat with mum and the owners but I’d imagine we’ll leave it at that and he could be a really exciting horse going over a fence next year.

“Robert said it did pass his mind to pull him up with a circuit to run but when he got to Ballyhack he started to get into a nice rhythm.

“He’s won two Grade 2’s now and it’s great for his owner who is a great supporter of the game.”

(AM & EM)