Review FAIRYHOUSE 6TH MAY

Timmy Murphy, runner-up aboard Smarty in the Aintree Grand National, went one better in the Irish equivalent as David's Lad beat Rathbawn Prince in a thrilling finish at a sunny Fairyhouse.

In front of a huge crowd, the jockey put his mount to sleep towards the rear of the field, before making steady ground to track the leaders entering the straight.

Rathbawn Prince looked to have stolen a decisive advantage approaching the final fence, but Murphy didn't panic and conjured up a tremendous burst from his mount on the run-in to get up close home.

A jubilant Tony Martin revealed afterwards : 'I wouldn't even have run him if the ground had been soft, as I didn't think he'd stay in such conditions. But with the ground so decent, we decided to let him take his chance.'

'He's only a novice, and has continued to improved throughout the season,' he added of the seven year-old, who has risen a total of 46 pounds in the handicap since opening his account over fences at Navan in October.

The exciting Ned Kelly extended his winning sequence with a comfortable triumph in the Powers Gold Label Novice Hurdle.

Norman Williamson produced the 4/7 favourite to head long-time leader Kilcash Castle at the last before quickening up to score readily.

'I was delighted with how he handled the better ground there,' said Edward O'Grady afterwards. 'He's still only five, and we'll have to consider all the nice races that Istabraq won't be running in next season,' he added.

Formula One supremo Eddie Jordan was on hand to see Rostropovich, of whom his wife has a share, score a battling victory in the opening four year-old hurdle.

David Casey made full use of his mount's stamina as they saw off Albatros by 1 1/2 lengths and trainer Mouse Morris was quick to emphasise the importance of the better ground to his charge.

'I've said it all along, he needs that sort of ground,' Morris declared, before indicating that the son of Sadler's Wells is likely to be gelded over the summer.

Macabeo returned from a lengthy absence with an easy win in the 2m6f handicap hurdle, leading before the straight under Kieran Gaule to eventually come home clear of Aunt Aggie.

Daniel Howard, successful on Masalarian in Saturday's big hurdle race, was back in the winner's enclosure after Manodee took the 2m4f handicap chase.

Arthur Moore's seven year-old looked a little fortunate however, as Ojay looked to be travelling much better when exiting two out.

The same penultimate fence also claimed All Antrim in the following 2m2f beginners' chase, but it is unlikely that he would have been able to contain Gregorio in any case.

John Cullen delivered the French-bred with a well-timed challenge on the inside up the straight for a cosy seven-length verdict at the line.

Harithabad pinched a decisive advantage rounding the home turn in the point-to-point bumper, and was all out to just hold the late thrust of Druid's Glen.

The second may have been slightly unlucky, as he appeared to be hampered by favourite Moss Bawn about two furlongs out.