Fair Taxes and Donagh O Connor. © Photo Healy Racing
Jockey Donagh O'Connor got the fractions spot on when making virtually all the running on Fair Taxes to take the Soil.ie Sobac Healthy Grass Handicap at Fairyhouse.
Well away from stalls despite being drawn widest of all, O'Connor soon had the Ross O'Sullivan trained gelding at the head of affairs, dictating the race at a steady pace. Grand City Hall tracked the leader under Jack Cleary, appearing to be going the better from over two furlongs out.
However, as soon as O'Connor upped the ante on the 20/1 winner, his mount responded to find plenty and go on again from over a furlong out.
Despite Cleary edging closer on Grand City Hall all the way to the line, the O'Sullivan trained gelding was always doing enough to hold on.
At the line just a neck separated the pair, with Land Rover four lengths back in third.
Ross O’Sullivan said: “We liked him last year and he probably needed the first run (this year). His work has always been good, he’s quick, but first time in a handicap you’d think there would be a few wiser than him in it.
“We put a pair of ear plugs on him today as he can be a bit forward going and they did a good job.
“He’s sharp away and on a straight track you would probably go back to five but around a bend he’s okay at six.
“That was a lovely race in his own age group and we’ll try to find something like that again and see how he progresses. He’s sure to get a bit more street wise as well.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
