Aunty Audrey leads Jazz Ranger (noseband) away from the last© Photo Healy Racing
Another of the Monasterevin Fahey equestrian all-rounders is off the mark in the training ranks with James triumphing in the Dumore East Handicap Hurdle at Tramore through 22/1 chance Jazz Ranger
Fahey’s partner Heather Heffernan owns Jazz Ranger, and he came from off the pace to win under Kevin Sexton. Aunty Audrey didn’t travel well for Conor McNamara, but she clicked into top gear going into the dip.
Luckless in recent times that local mare was eventually edged out at the finish, by a head, to make it three ‘2s’ in a row.
James Fahey of course won the 2008 Paddy Power at Leopardstown on Wheresben for his father Seamus. He registered no less than eight wins on the same horse.
As a handler Fahey has had some success with his point-to-point runners, including when saddling a double at Stradbally in May 2017 with Scully’s Dream and B C’s Pride.
"That's my first winner on the track. It took time to get it but we got there thank God. Seamus is my father so I'm well connected to all the Fahey's. I have four for the track and nine or ten to go point-to-pointing," explained the successful trainer.
"He hasn't won in five years and is a bit of a boyo. We put the visor back on him last time and he fell asleep. We took it off today and told Kevin to go out and do whatever he wanted. He came wide and did everything you are not supposed to do and still won.
"There is a race for him in Roscommon but we'll see how he is. He has to be freshened up after his races or it's a waste of time bringing him. To get one win into him was the main thing.
"Heather (Heffernan) actually took him over this year. She rode him in the Corinthian Challenge and the owners let her have him after that. Heather rides him out every day and led him up today too."
M.P. O'Connor, rider of Arch Melody trained by J. Morrison, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount burst and he pulled up.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Arch Melody, trained by J. Morrison, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have an exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage post race.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Gone Racing trained by Mark MichaelMcNiff, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
(DM & EM)
