A Shin Impala switches to hurdling A Shin Impala kicks off his career over jumps in the opening Johnny McCarthy Memorial Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse today. Gordon Elliott's four-year-old won twice on the level for Tommy Stack, both at Dundalk, before being snapped up for the relatively modest fee of £15,000 at a Goffs sale in January. Having done most of his racing on the all-weather, it will be interesting to see how he copes with the forecast testing conditions in County Meath. O Ceallaigh will not be winning out of turn if coming good in the Hire2k Beginners Chase. Peter Fahey's charge has been placed on three of his previous five starts over fences, running behind the likes of Identity Thief and Don't Touch It. While there is nothing of that calibre in this field, he might not have it all his own way, with the Jessica Harrington-trained Woodland Opera another useful performer on his day. The Elliott-trained Usurp is one of a few horses worth considering in the Great Value Online Novice Handicap Hurdle. The six-year-old has struggled since winning a maiden hurdle at this venue back in October, but is of definite interest on his handicap debut on a workable rating of 112. Nicole's Milan has won twice at the track and is another with leading claims. The Book Easter Festival Tickets Handicap Hurdle brings the card to a close and looks another tricky puzzle for punters to solve. Robert Tyner's Simple Steps has done most of his running over fences this season and has a chance if he can translate that form to the smaller obstacles. The Church Gate, trained by Matthew Smith, has been narrowly beaten the last twice and is capable off winning from his present mark.
