The Paddy Flood-ridden Canaly the subject of market support this morning (12s then into 6/1) short-headed Johnny McGeeney in the Corporate Hospitality At Fairyhouse Maiden Hurdle.
Paul Townend rode Johnny McGeeney with a degree of confidence and looked like he'd stick his head in front on the run-in but with the two principals getting close in the latter stages there was the minimum between them at the line. A subsequent steward's enquiry saw the placings remain unaltered. Gamble of this contest, the Ted Walsh-trained Gigginstown House Stud-owned God's County (7s in the morning into 7/2) dropped out and was pulled up in the straight.
Fresh from his Thyestes success yesterday, Dessie Hughes said of his Canaly: "He ran a good race at Leopardstown at Christmas on his first run back and he had his chance today. Paddy said that he lost his reins after the last and that they came a bit close. This horse should win a novice hurdle and he goes on good ground as well."
Canaly is a half-brother to Tom Cooper's bumper winner Eightybarackstreet.
