Fitz returns in style at Cork

Tarla proved five lengths too good for Rebel Fitz in the www.racinghomeforeaster.com Hurdle 12 months ago but this time around the placings were reversed in no uncertain terms as Mick Winters’ stablestar ran out an impressive winner.

Tarla adopted her usual front-running role and set a good pace in this 2m4f event but as soon as Barry Geraghty sent Rebel Fitz (9/4) to the front after the penultimate flight the result was never in doubt.

The French-bred gelding, reappearing after a five-month winter break, strode clear and had ten lengths to spare over the 15/8 favourite at the line with Jennies Jewel over four lengths further back in third.

Winters said, “We all said this time last year that he was a small bit off but he got a bit healthier as the year moved on. Hopefully we’ll see the real horse this year.

“It will be another two or three weeks before he hits his peak and his second run is normally his best run.

“He’ll have a crack at the Powers Gold Cup now. After that there is a Grade 1 novice chase over two miles at Punchestown for him. We’ll school him over fences now before Fairyhouse.

“We’ve had no winners since Christmas and the horses haven’t been quite right but a good horse will always pull you out of a ruck.”

Geraghty said, “We were worried about the ground but he felt better on it today than he has before. We went a good even pace and my fella did it well.”

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes