Woodford Island (nearest) and Jimmy Two Times jump the last together© Photo Healy Racing
Barry Geraghty picked up a winning spare as he partnered Woodford Island to victory in the opener at Fairyhouse, the Marie Keating Foundation Fundraising Day At Fairyhouse November 16th Beginners Chase.
Ruby Walsh was due to ride the Tom Doran owned gelding, but he strained a muscle in his back at Cork yesterday, and gave up his mounts today.
Woodford Island filled the runner-up spot on his first two efforts over fences, and he was still in contention when falling at the second last at Down Royal on Friday.
Turned out again quickly by his trainer Gordon Elliott, the five-year-old son of Trans Island was sent off the 6/5 favourite today.
Having raced mainly in second, he was pushed along to challenge from two out, and was ridden to the front on the run-in, keeping on well to score by a length and a quarter. Jimmy Two Times who lead for most of the contest, finished second under Luke Dempsey for Brian Hamilton at 11/4.
Just four of the seven who set out for this two mile five furlong contest managed to complete the course. Minmore Oscar fell at the first, while Circe's Island unseated at the same fence. Crest who was backed from 4's to 11/4 on-course, crashed out at the third with Keith Donoghue in the saddle, replacing the injured David Mullins.
Gordon Elliott said afterwards: "He was unlucky when running a good race the last day in Down Royal and he fell. We said we'd take a chance because the beginners are going to get hotter now in the next few weeks.
"We'll probably look at a little handicap. He probably wouldn't be good enough for a graded race so we might even find a little winners race.
"We might even go to England with this fellow.
"The horses are running well so we'll keep them running. It's unbelievable - that's our 97th winner in Ireland. To have nearly 100 winners by November is great. Things are flying so it's hard to complain."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
