Land passes biggest test so far

When Ruby Walsh, Barry Geraghty and Davy Russell lined up before the straight, we knew we were in for a thrilling conclusion to the Grade 3 Bar One Racing Juvenile Hurdle at Fairyhouse. Geraghty was the man to come out on top aboard even money favourite Landofhopeandglory

Ruby Walsh looked like he might get the best of it from the front on Bapaume when Landofhopeandglory 'missed' the second last.

However, Bapaume himself got the last wrong, at which point Landofhopeandglory was on terms and looking strong. Davy Russell was held from before that final flight on Mega Fortune

The victor, owned by J P McManus and trained by Joseph O'Brien, is now three from three over hurdles as he went on here to oblige by a length.

Mega Fortune meanwhile, stayed on well up the run-in to be a length and a quarter back in third. In a good sign for the principals, they pulled twenty six lengths clear of the fourth home, Dakota Moirette

"It was a good performance.  They kind of sprinted down over the last two.  He had to be right and Barry gave him a great ride.  It was his biggest test so far," said O'Brien.

"We'd have to think about Christmas now.  It will be one step at a time with him but you'd be delighted with today.

"The faster they go for him the better he'll be you'd imagine. I was delighted with that and Barry was delighted.

"He jumped better today, he was a bit more measured. Barry said he was a bit big at the first but other than that he was a bit better.  Please god each race that is getting better.

"It looked a good race and there was plenty of word for Gordon's horse (Mega Fortune).  It's probably as good a three-year-old hurdle as has been run in Ireland anyway."

Asked to compare with Ivanovich Gorbatov he reflected: "Ivanovich went to Christmas for his maiden while this lad is after having three runs.  They are different models and it's hard to compare the two of them because they aren't similar types really."

On his three-year-old team O'Brien explained: "It's important that they take to hurdling and this fella seems to have done that.  We'll figure that out one by one I suppose.

"There is no panic with them.  It is a long year.  Please god there are a couple to come out at Christmas."

Landofhopeandglory further enhances his credentials by winning the Bar One Racing Juvenile Hurdle at @Fairyhouse: https://t.co/oS1ouFdNb1

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) December 4, 2016

Paddy Power go 6/1 favourite from 10/1 about Landofhopeandglory for the Triumph Hurdle. Joseph O'Brien to win that event is 11/8 from 7/4.

(GC & EM)