Ireland's latest star hurdler Feathard Lady strutted her stuff in style at Fairyhouse today when winning the ladbrokes.ie Handicap Hurdle from a rating of 137, extending to unbeaten run to an impressive six races.
Ridden by Paul Carberry, Feathard Lady made steady progress through the 19 runner field to hit the front on the approach to the final flight, eventually winning by a comfortable 2 1/2l.
Winning trainer Colm Murphy now has a difficult decision and half joked 'she may have to step up to the top grade after that but I'd hate her to beat (stablemate) Brave Inca!'
He added 'depending on what the handicapper does, she may go for the Pierce Hurdle in January but at the moment we are keeping every option open.'
Trainer Tony Mullins has a Spring campaign in mind for his The Last Stand, who held on for a head win in the opening Grade 3 Winter Festival Juvenile 3YO Hurdle.
The Last Stand, under Mark Watts, had jumped well throughout but benefited from the mistakes of both Vox Populi and Packie Tam over the last two flights, while Ballygalla Bay came from well back and would have won in two strides.
Afterwards Mullins reported 'The Last Stand emptied a bit close home but I have no doubt he is a better horse on good ground.'
He added 'he jumps very well but he probably won't run on heavy ground again.'
Edward O'Grady saddled Sky's The Limit to win the Bee Bee Development Hurdle, providing stable jockey Barry Geraghty with the opening leg of a double.
The son of Medaaly hit the front on the run to two out and eased his way to the line, for an easy 15 length success.
O'Grady later stated 'I don't have a clue where we will go next but he did that very well and, being only a 4yo, is certainly going the right way.'
JP McManus' purchase of Glenfinn Captain following a Down Royal bumper win last March seems to have paid dividends with Tom Taaffe's new recruit running out an impressive winner of the 2m maiden hurdle.
Completing Geraghty's double, Glenfinn Captain raced keenly before progressing to lead at the fifth last flight, eventually staying on well from the last to stretch the field by ten lengths and more.
Taaffe later stated 'I'm lucky to have him and he is an exciting horse.'
He added 'he raced a bit too keen and I'll let him learn his trade in smaller races before going in at the deep end.'
On a day with plenty of promise, John Bleahen's Tigerlion finally confirmed his ability with a good win in the beginners' chase.
Tigerlion, who possessed plenty bits of form last year, raced prominently throughout but moved through to lead on the run to the final fence, eventually scoring a comfortable two and a half length success.
A relieved Bleahen later reported 'he broke out hearts last year as every day he ran he returned with mucus in his lungs. He is a big baby and hopefully there is a nice bit of improvement to come from him.'
He added 'Tigerlion's jockey Mick Darcy is an excellent rider with a big future and always carries out instructions.'
Darcy, however, met his match in the next, the ladbrokes.com Porterstown Handicap Chase, with a brilliant power packed ride on the lazy Fatherofthebride yielded a third place finish.
The race was won by What A Native who gave his trainer Charlie Swan 'great pleasure' in winning.
Swan reported 'What A Native broke down twice in the past and his owners have been very patient with him. It is a great boost winning a race like this with a horse with his problems.'
