Review FAIRYHOUSE 20TH OCT

Frozen Groom returned to winning ways with a bloodless victory in the 2m chase at a bright and breezy Fairyhouse this afternoon.

Ruby Walsh's mount was able to come home in his own time, with Caledonian Bridge departing at the first and Fleur De Chenet pulled up entering the straight.

The latter had until that point made a promising debut for Arthur Moore, but the winner had taken her measure when Conor O'Dwyer felt her action become 'inconsistent', an explanation that was noted by the stewards.

Frozen Groom meanwhile, will head to the Fortria Chase at Navan for his next outing.

Walsh later completed a double aboard Catch Ball, a half-sister to Satin Lover bought as a broodmare at the Ascot July Sales, in the 2m4f handicap hurdle.

Risk Accessor (1/2 - 6/4 - 1/1) made all and jumped well to see off market rival Harbour Pilot in the opening 2m4f maiden hurdle (Div. 1).

The first two pulled a distance clear of their 23 rivals, and look set to compete in some of the better novice events this season.

'We're not sure how good he is yet, maybe we'll know after he has another couple of runs', said trainer Christy Roche of the winner.

There was a dramatic conclusion to the 2m2f novice chase, with Tom Rudd picking up the luckiest of spare rides on the winner Lord Of The Chase.

Approaching two out, the finish looked likely to concern leader Clonmel's Minella and the pursuing Tara Sound but the first-named barely took off at that obstacle, giving Ruby Walsh no chance of keeping the partnership intact.

The unfortunate Tara Sound was brought to a virtual standstill yet jockey Tom Treacy, who did well just to stay in the saddle, managed to get his mount into a challenging position again approaching the last.

However, a dreadful blunder there finally sealed his fate, leaving Lord Of The Chase to fend off the late surge of Masseuse by the minimum margin.

Treacy was also out of luck in Division Two of the maiden hurdle when Brenny's Pearl could manage only second behind Francis Flood's Miaqualine.

Favourite Delgany Royal (7/1) came out on top in the 22-runner handicap chase, battling on gamely to master Kilbyrne King in the shadows of the post under Kieran Kelly.

The claimer also went on to bag a brace aboard Rathbawn Prince, who barely came off the bridle to beat the gambled-on Masalarian in the concluding 2m2f hurdle.