Cromwell claims Fairyhouse's opener with La Malmason

La Malmason (10/1) made a transformational seasonal reappearance today as Gavin Cromwell's mare effortlessly landed Fairyhouse's opening Bar One Racing "Bet 10 Euros Get 50 Euros Sign Up Offer" Irish EBF Mares Handicap Chase, under jockey Keith Donoghue.

Pulled up on her previous start at Gowran last March, the 131-rated six-year-old was held up in rear-division today, travelled strongly into contention and won easily by four lengths from Nine Graces

Trainer Cromwell commented “she was very good although we were clutching at straws with her but she had kissing spine surgery during the summer and it's obviously done the trick: she had been making a lot of mistakes last year so we got her checked out at the end of the season.

“I was a little bit concerned the ground wouldn't be slow enough as she'd appreciate softer going and will definitely get further.”

He added “I'm delighted with the way she jumped today, Keith said when he jumped the first he knew she was a different mare so hopefully she can kick on from here. I haven't looked beyond today, this was the plan although I couldn't rule out the Thyestes or an Irish National.”

“I'm delighted to get a winner at this meeting; we got one in Navan (Troytown weekend) and if you can have a winner at these big meetings it's great.”

Quotes from Gary Carson