Review FAIRYHOUSE 13TH DEC

Fruit Defendu booked his ticket for the Denny Hurdle when justifying favouritism in emphatic fashion for Ruby Walsh in the 3yo maiden hurdle.

The French import was always travelling strongly, leading after two out to beat Beaver Lodge by 11L and earning a 25/1 quote for the Triumph Hurdle.

'He has done everything right since he came to us, and will go for the Dennys,' said trainer Noel Meade.

The Denny Chase is next on the agenda for Alcapone who put up an exhibition of jumping under David Casey in the 2m novice chase.

The Mouse Morris-trained gelding led at halfway, and overcame the attention of a number of loose horses in the straight to beat Shiny Bay by 3 1/2L.

'He's entitled to take his chance in the Denny,' said Morris, whose Leopardstown team will also include Foxchapel King (Ericsson Chase), Boss Doyle and Rostropovich.

There was a popular local success in the 2m maiden hurdle where Leaders Way landed the spoils for the Geraghty family.

The 5yo, who works three times a week on the Fairyhouse all-weather gallop, was sent to the front approaching the home turn by Ross Geraghty to beat Regal Venture by 3L.

Ross' father 'Tucker' said afterwards: 'He stays well, and may go for a 2 1/2m novice hurdle at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting.'

There was another local father and son success in the 2 1/2m handicap hurdle where Paddy and Martin Mooney teamed up with I'll Decide.

The 6yo mare stretched clear after two out to beat the gambled-on Mr Batim (3/1f) by 15L.

Wicked Crack recorded her third win in staying handicaps this term when turning the 3m hurdle into a procession under Conor O'Dwyer.

Wee Annie put in a fine round of jumping in the hands of Garrett Cotter to land the 2m5f novice chase, bravely holding Fanion De Neulliac on the run-in by 3L.

Rathgar Beau (Aidan Fitzgerald) made an impressive debut in the bumper, driven clear inside the final 1/4m to score by 8L.