Pet records fourth win of the season

Teacher's Pet recorded her fourth win of the season as she took the Christmas Greetings Rated Novice Hurdle for father and son team of Philip and Luke Dempsey.

Having recorded her first success at Downpatrick in August, the daughter of Oscar since won again at the Northern venue, before winning over the course last month.

She went down by three parts of a length on her last start at Fairyhouse, and she was sent off the 15/8 second favourite this afternoon.

Settled in second, she hit the front before two out and soon went on. She was kept up to her work on the run-in, and came home two lengths to the good. Freeway Space (9's to 7's on-course) finished second under Paul Townend for David O'Brien, while the 8/11 favourite Dounikos was a disappointing last.

Philip Dempsey said afterwards: "She has been great and has kept improving. She has gone up a lot in the handicap and this was a nice race for her and I'm delighted.

"She wouldn't want it much softer and I'll talk to Frank (Berry, racing manager for owner JP McManus) but she might have a little break now - she deserves it."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Dounikos (FR), trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.

Owing to the low lying sun, the Stewards granted permission for the third last hurdle to be omitted for this race.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes