Easy for Fils as Zarak fails to fire

Fils d'Oudairies made all and came home in splendid isolation in the Grade 3 Horse & Jockey Hurdle, with 1/8 chance Zarak The Brave pulling up.

Successful in the Grimes Hurdle over the course and distance in July, the David L'Estrange owned victor was recording his fourth success of the year.

Sent off at 9/2 in this three-runner affair, the Gordon Elliott-trained eight-year-old jumped slightly right throughout and was left clear when the market leader faded tamely and pulled up before five out.

Unaware of the favourite's exit, winning rider Jack Kennedy kept his mount up to his work in the straight, as they came home 99 lengths plus clear of Deo Bellator in second.

Returned at 125/1 and rated just 82, connections of the 10-year-old runner-up collected E7,500.

"I wasn't aware at all (that Zarak The Brave had pulled up)," Kennedy revealed.

"My lad was fairly lairy on his own in front and I was waiting for Paul to land up outside me but he didn't.

"It was only when I was pulling up I realised that he'd pulled up over the far side.

"It's grand for the horse to get another one on the board."

Kennedy was originally due to partner Party Central, but with that one a non-runner, he switched to the winner, replacing Mark Walsh.

On the disappointing market leader, Paul Townend revealed: "He was never going from an early stage."

When asked did he not handle the ground he said: "I was never going to blame the ground."

Later found to be clinically abnormal, Townend added after the success of Sharjah "I was niggling at him turning into the straight the first time which is not like him.

"Away from the stands he wasn't going and there was no point in following them around and ending up on the floor. He clearly wasn't right.

"He's sound, we still have a horse and he is only four."

STEWARDS REPORTS

P. Townend, rider of Zarak The Brave (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Zarak The Brave (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be clinically abnormal post race.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee