Aintree Grand National contenders were on view at Fairyhouse today where Edward O'Grady's Takagi made all to win the Grade 3 Bobbyjo Chase while fellow National entries Alexander Banquet (finished second) and Arctic Copper (fourth) both displayed their well being.
Davy Russell's mount, carrying blinkers for the first time, eventually defeated the staying on Alexander Banquet by two and a half lengths. A pleased O'Grady later exclaimed 'next stop Aintree!' He added 'The blinkers just helped him concentrate today and the hurdle race at Punchestown sharpened him up. Davy (Russell) will be offered the ride in the Grand National.'
Disappointment of the race was Commanche Court who pulled up before the fifth last, having made a bad mistake seven fences from home.
The other Grade 3 event on the card, the Tattersalls Derby Sale Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle, was something of a Noel Meade benefit race with the Co. Meath handler saddling the first two home for owner Des Sharkey.
Winner Power Elite received a typically well judged Paul Carberry ride to defeat Wild Passion by half a length. Meade intends sending the winner to Cheltenham for the Triumph Hurdle (14/1 with Ladbrokes) although the runner-up is unlikely to travel.
Joe Crowley's Delgany Rose landed the valuable Grade B INH Stallion Farms EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle Final under John Allen. Crowley later joked 'we would have been happy if she had been placed but now that she has won she must be worth a fortune!'
Seven times point to point winner Glenduff Bridge landed the hunters' chase for Co Limerick owner Ted O'Sullivan. Winning trainer Liam Burke later reported 'he is a real fighter and is so tough. We'll go for a winners' race now but he won't be run on hard ground. Derek (O'Connor) gave him a brilliant ride.'
O'Connor was recording his second win of the day having earlier ridden a point to point winner in Co Armagh.
Seven pound claimer Tom Ryan has progressed very well since joining the Michael O'Brien yard and the Co Galway rider excelled when winning the 2m4f handicap hurdle on his boss' Kadoun.
The 14/1 winner (39/1 on the Tote) looked beaten entering the straight but battled well to record a neck win over Rockspring Hero. Kadoun is now being aimed at the Irish Grand National.
Solar System received a confident ride from Barry Geraghty to win the 2m4f beginners' chase. The Tom Taaffe trained winner, who had previously unseated Geraghty on his last two starts, led at the third last fence before defeating Mullacash by one length and is now likely to be sent handicap chasing.
The concluding bumper saw jockey Kevin Power produce Paddy Mullins' New Field (11/10 favourite) with a perfectly timed challenge to win for owner JP McManus. New Field was introduced by Cashmans at 14/1 for the Cheltenham bumper.
Thomas Weekes.
