Swordsman shows improvement in Fairyhouse

Swordsman cut a dash under Jack Kennedy in the opening Happy New Year from all at Fairyhouse Maiden Hurdle over two and a half miles.

The strong-travelling five-year-old gelding moved up to take over from The Echo Boy with half a mile to negotiate.

He tanked along turning for home as Momus was scrubbed along in pursuit.

The leader was pushed along to assert coming to the second last and was ridden upon touching down.

He went clear at the last and galloped home from a staying-on Westport Lady by 12 lengths at 3/1 for Gordon Elliott.

Momus, the popular 10/11 favourite, could make no impression in third.

Jack Kennedy said: “He jumped and travelled away well. He’s improved from the run the last day and hopefully he can keep going that way.

"We went a good gallop up in front and he seems to be a nice horse.”

This gave Gigginstown a double across the opening races in Tramore and Fairyhouse.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee