Trixie messes about but odds-on favourite Jazz still wins

An early faller, the loose Trixie Mc proved appropriately-named, but all was well that ended well for odds-on favourite Jazzaway (8/11 out to 9/10) in the Book Easter Festival Tickets Online @fairyhouse.ie Mares Maiden Hurdle.

Trixie Mc impeded Jazzaway and second favourite Strange Notions over the final couple of flights.

When she ‘did’ Strange Notions at the last, Paul Townend and Jazzaway weren’t long about grabbing the initiative, and the Willie Mullins-trained market-leader eventually beat the one nearest to her in the betting by three and a half lengths.

“The loose horse was going left everywhere so I thought the best place to go was the other side so I went there (two out) and she still done me,” said Townend.

“Whatever it cost us it probably cost Sean (Flanagan, on Strange Notions, the 2nd-placer) more at the last but I was only getting going and thought I might get him again anyway.

“She was value for it in the end and if things had gone plain sailing I don't think we'd have had any worries.

“I don't think Sean was anxious to be in front when he was but he got left there.

“She's improved with every run and is getting the hang of her jumping. The ground was an unknown but she handled it and it opens a few more avenues for her.

“It was nice to get a win on the board for her and we'll see what she can do now.”

A.W. Short, rider of All Class (FR), trained by Patrick Griffin, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hung left off the final bend.

(GC & EM)