Review FAIRYHOUSE 24TH APR

The wonderfully consistent Micko's Dream added another big prize to his impressive tally when sauntering home in the #80,000 Irish Independent Chase on the opening day of the National Hunt Festival.

Dropping down to two miles, the nine year-old had no difficulty lying up with the pace, and came clear of market leader Ferbet Junior in the straight.

'I've been running him over the wrong trip for years!' joked jubilant trainer Willie Mullins, before refusing to rule out the possibility of his charge turning out again tomorrow in the Power Tote Gold Cup.

'We'll see how he is the morning, and the Irish National will also be considered.'

Ned Kelly returned to his best form with an authoritative victory in the Winning Fair (2m) Champion novice hurdle.

Always travelling well for Norman Williamson, the 4/5 favourite drew clear approaching the last and had six lengths to spare over Grinkov at the line.

'That was more like the real McCoy,' said a relieved Edward O'Grady, admitting that he had been slightly disappointed at the manner of the horse's previous success over course and distance in February.

'I will speak to the owners, but would like to keep him over hurdles next season, as he is still only a five year-old,' he added.

Sackville confirmed his superiority over Arctic Copper when taking the 2m4f novice chase in the manner one would expect of a 4/11 chance.

With Zayta taking a crashing fall early on, David Casey could afford to take things easily aboard Frances Crowley's stable star for a twenty-length verdict over his old rival.

'I'd love to go for the Irish National with him, but I'll have to talk to the owners first,' said Crowley. 'He may well run again at Leopardstown on Friday,' she continued.

Paul Moloney was lucky to escape relatively unscathed after his tumble from Zayta, while what could have been another very nasty incident almost occurred as the field bypassed the final fence.

An unsighted member of the ambulance crew ran straight into the winner's path, but fortunately received only a glancing blow and escaped with a shaking.

Alpha Blues (3/1-5/2-3/1) made every yard of the running for an impressive triumph in the opening 2m4f hurdle.

Jim Dreaper's gelding appeared to have got the better of favourite Darapour when that rival fell heavily two out, and was eased down to score by fifteen lengths.

'Tommy (Treacy) said he was happy enough when Darapour fell,' said the local handler afterwards, 'and we hope this fellow will make up into a decent novice chaser next season.'

In the meantime, the imposing gelding may return to Fairyhouse for the Irish Grand National meeting in two weeks time.

Bottom-weight On The Mend (10/1-12/1-10/1) was driven out by Garrett Cotter to hold the fast-finishing Bobabout in the 2m4f handicap hurdle.

Margaret and The Culdee fought out an exciting finish to the 2m handicap hurdle, and it was the latter, trained by Francis Flood and ridden by his son Fran jnr. who came out on top by 3/4 length.

12/1 shot Pizzaro (Davy Russell) was ridden clear inside the final furlong to capture the bumper for Eddie Hales' in-form team.