Fenlon's Hill, orange cap, moves into contention© Photo Healy Racing
Fenlon's Hill has got a taste for victory now as he picked off Old Time Melody in the two mile five handicap chase at Fairyhouse.
The six-year-old gelding was following up on his first career success in a handicap chase at Galway last month.
In this assignment, he tracked Old Time Melody down to the last and was stronger on the run-in as he flashed home under Adam Short to win by half a length at 8/1.
Olt Time Melody (14/1), Micras (14/1) and Shamiran (7/1) occupied the places in second, third and fourth respectively.
Long-time-leader Old Supporter came home fifth.
“The horse has improved and he's probably improved a little bit since Galway,” handler Paul Stafford said.
“He's getting his confidence and jumped super. It was a competitive enough race and he battled well and stayed on well at it.
“I probably wouldn't run him over any further than that and he might be more effective over two-and-a-half.
“He wouldn't run on heavy, winter ground. He had a wind issue and it wouldn't be ideal to run him on heavy ground. I don't know whether it would hold up to that or not.
“He was lucky that Galway was similar ground as well. We walked out on the track at Galway and you could have walked around in your socks as it was lovely ground. It was like a carpet of grass and here's the same.
“If the ground changes in the next week or two weeks he'll be let off. If it stays right for him we'll keep him on the go, as long as he's right.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
