Dinaria gets the verdict in stewards room

Dinaria Des Obeaux needed the intervention of the stewards to land the Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle after failing by a head to peg back Ex Patriot in the Grade 3 at Fairyhouse.

The Davy Russell-ridden Ex Patriot edging right towards the rail after striking the front approaching the final flight, causing Dinaria Des Obeaux to be switched left to renew her effort.

The 10/11 favourite finished strongly under Bryan Cooper on the run-in but just failed by a head to catch Ex Patriot. Landofhopeandglory couldn’t find any extra from two out and was 11 lengths back in third at the line.

Winning trainer Gordon Elliott said, “She's a grand honest mare that stays. She definitely got impeded and it's unfortunate for the connections of the second. We got a bit of luck today but they are two nice horses.

“I wouldn't say it was the strongest race in the world so I don't know whether she'll be going to Cheltenham.”

Ellmarie Holden said of Ex Patriot prior to the result of the enquiry, "It's his third run and he just keeps improving every time. He's just enthusiastic about the whole thing and loving it. He's getting sharper every time with his jumping.

“I wasn't too disappointed at Leopardstown as he still ran very well for his second run. We'll decide during the week now about Cheltenham. We'll see how he comes out of it.

“Davy said he was super and said the trip and ground were perfect. He seems to go on that ground. On his first run we were a bit concerned because we thought he might like nicer ground so nicer ground wouldn't worry us either.”

(GC & AM)