Review FAIRYHOUSE 23-APR-2000

The three day Easter meeting got underway with a reasonable crowd on a 'family day', and a number of upsets resulted in a jackpot carryover of #25,000 to the Grand National card.

Paul Carberry partnered his first winner since the Cheltenham Festival when Boley Lad returned to form in the 2 1/2m novice hurdle.

The 6yo was patiently ridden to head stablemate Arctic Copper on the run-in to score by 3/4L.

'He is a fussy devil but has been working well recently, and may go for the 2 1/2m novice at Punchestown,' said trainer Noel Meade

'Arctic Copper is suited by good ground,' said Meade, who also reported that former inmate Sunshine Street won a Grade 1 Handicap at Santa Anita yesterday.

Mr Baxter Basics led before five out for a workmanlike 5L victory over Manhattan Castle in the featured 2m handicap chase.

'He may go for the BMW Chase at Punchestown, while Killarney is another possible summer target,' said winning trainer Tom Taaffe.

Local trainer John Fowler gave all the credit to work rider Dermot Fagan after Asklynn (16/1) landed the mares novice hurdle final.

Robbie McNally's mount made steady headway to lead at the last for a 4 1/2L success over Zayta, who is trained by Fowler's sister Jessica Harrington.

The gallant victory of Oneofourown (Robert Widger) in the 3m1f handicap chase gave Cavan trainer Shane Donohoe special pleasure.

'Robert started off with me before joining Philip Hobbs, and the horse jumped super for him,' said Donohoe after the 9yo headed the front-running Andrea Cova two out to score by 6L.

Gill's Honey (Norman Williamson) gained a deserved win over fences, leading on the home turn to beat the staying on City West by 20L in the novice chase.

Victor Boy travelled smoothly under Shane McCann to lead after two in the opening 2m maiden hurdle for a cosy 3/4L win over Christy Senior.

Bust Out (7/1-10/1) provided the bookmakers with another good result in the bumper when edging out Rua Lass after a protracted battle in the final 1/4m.

Valley Henry (5/4-11/8f) held every chance in the straight but could only stay on onepaced in fifth.

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