Donal Murphy
Sa Fureur gifted Fairyhouse opener as Hunters Yarn crashes out
Hunters Yarn (left) crashes out at the last with Sa Fureur left clear under Jack Kennedy
© Photo Healy Racing
There was a dramatic conclusion to the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase, as Hunters Yarn (1/3f) crashed out at the last with the race at his mercy.
Appearing held in second at the time, Sa Fureur was left clear by the exit of the clear market leader and he eventually came home 40-lengths to the good under Jack Kennedy.
The Phillip Enright ridden Byker (20/1) filled the runner-up spot, while Battle It Out (50/1) was another length away in third.
Successful three times over flights last season, the Gordon Elliott-trained victor disappointed when sent off favourite for the Coral Cup at Cheltenham.
A faller on his debut over fences at Navan last month, the Walk In The Park bay was sent off an easy-to-back 5/2 chance (7/4 early).
Never far from the pace, the E70,000 Goffs Land Rover Sale purchase was pushed along to challenge before two out and was making no further impression when ridden before the last.
"He was a fortunate winner. He was going to be a nice second and was running a good race," said Elliott.
"I just hope the faller is okay, we had a bit of luck on our side - if you haven't luck at this game you have nothing.
"Jack said he showed a good attitude. He said he was following the other horse early and kind of got into the habit (of jumping left) but he said he wasn't worried about his jumping at all.
"We'll probably look at one of those rated novice chases or we could step him into a handicap."
The winner is one of four declared for the Ryans Cleaning Rated Novice Chase at Navan tomorrow.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson