Mallowney bounds to victory under Davy Russell© Photo Healy Racing
Tim Doyle got a deserved big day in the 'sun' when his assertion that a return to a venue he likes in Fairyhouse, for stable star Mallowney would help. The Tipperary horse simply ran away with the featured Underwriting Exchange Dan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase.
Owned by politician, Michael Lowry's Glebeland Farm Partnership, Mallowney has in the past come home runner-up to the likes of Road To Riches at Fairyhouse.
On his previous start Mallowney finished behind the market-leader here, Bright New Dawn in the Grade 1 Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase at Leopardstown.
However Doyle is of the opinion that his home-bred doesn't perform to his optimum at that Foxrock course and here he looked a proper top-notcher back in handicap company.
Mallowney took over from the front-running Kilcarry Bridge before the straight, and never came off the bridle for a ten length dismissal of his aforementioned opponent, Bright New Dawn.
"He never runs a bad race but I thought he was exceptional today. He was up against Grade 2 horses and beat them at his ease," reflected Doyle.
"He'll go for the Newlands Chase at Naas at the end of February but won't go to Cheltenham. We'll stay at home. His end of season target is the Boylesports Champion Chase at the Punchestown Festival.
"It was Davy's plan to ride him closer to the pace. I left it up to him what he wanted to do."
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Competitive Edge trained by Conor O'Dwyer, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.
(AM & EM)
