Fox Fearless a courageous winner under McCullagh

The first division of the awardsandgifts.ie Handicap saw Olive McKiernan’s winning hurdler Fox Fearless (9/1) gain a first success on the level.

The Camelot gelding was prominent in the chasing pack as Queen Of Jazz established a long lead and when that one folded early in the straight, the winner was in a good position to launch his challenge.

Scott McCullagh (nine winners left with his 5lb claim) drove him into the lead a furlong-and-a-half out and he stayed on well to beat 11/4 favourite Movie King and local mare Loudest Whisper by a length and a quarter and a neck.

McCullagh said: "I rode him the last day over a mile and a quarter, he just needed the run. He took a blow on me and hit the line well.

"I fancied his chances today with the step up in trip and the nice ground.

"I thought a country track like here would suit him. He did it well and he hit the line good. There's more improvement in him.

"The way the races have been panning out today they haven't seemed to be coming from the back. I just kept things simple and he executed it well. I'm delighted to ride a winner for Mr McKiernan.

"They went a good even tempo and my fella stays well. It's nice to get another winner."

Quotes from Michael Graham