Festive Felon (Paul Carberry) gets the better of Don Poli© Photo Healy Racing
Backing Willie Mullins-trained odds-on chances seemed a bomb-proof punting formula with a perfect 12 out of 12 winners over the past fortnight after the earlier success of hot-pot Valseur Lido
Another Gigginstown import from France, Don Poli bided to keep the sequence going in the 2m4f maiden hurdle but the 4/7 favourite had to play second fiddle in the end to Festive Felon
Paul Carberry sent the 8/1 chance to the front early in the straight, and Davy Russell threw down his challenge on the ‘jolly’ from two out.
However Festive Fever stuck gamely to his task on the run-in, and pulled out plenty under pressure to hold on for a half-length verdict.
The placings of the first two were confirmed following a stewards’ enquiry after they got close at the last and again on the run-in.
The frustrating Courage again had to settle for minor honours another two and three quarter lengths back in third.
Winning trainer Noel Meade said, “When you think of the bumper he ran in with The Tullow Tank, it was one of the best bumpers run. I was a bit disappointed with him that day but he does want soft ground.
“He stays really well and he jumps great. All those Gold Well’s stay very well and you could see him going three miles.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
