Festive Day serves up a 50/1 surprise in Fairyhouse© Photo Healy Racing
Festive Day led home a pair of 50/1 shots in the six runner beginners' chase at Fairyhouse as the formbook was turned upside down. Fine Article the even-money-favourite, unseated Robbie Power at the second fence after making a mistake and being bumped upon landing.
Gigginstown's Dallas Cowboy the second favourite at 11/8, took them along but was tracked throughout by Festive Day.
The latter moved closer at the fourth last and, once shaken up after the second last, sccoted away from Dallas Cowboy who was ridden and weakened quickly.
Festive Day was well clear jumping the last and sauntered home by 31 lengths. Fellow 50/1 shot Boite A Musique moved past a tired Dallas Cowboy on the run-in to take second.
Andrew Lynch said: "With the favourite falling it fell apart a bit as the Gigginstown horse stopped and there wasn't much else in the race.
“When he made a mistake four out I knew I was close enough. He won three point-to-points so he's not a bad horse.”
Trainer Norman Lee added: "That wasn't expected but it was great that it happened.
“It turned into a bit of a farce of a race when the favourite went out but he did it very well.
“I thought the holding ground wouldn't be in his favour but he jumped great for Andrew.
“I don't think the handicapper will be too hard on him for that.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
