Review NAAS 12TH MAR

Trim-based trainer Michael Fitzsimons enjoyed his biggest win to-date when Giolla An Bhaird landed the featured Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Handicap Chase Final.

Overnight rain made the ground particularly testing, and the three miles highlight developed into a battle between two greys in the straight with Compo looking the likely winner for most of the way.

Compo held a narrow advantage at the last and maintained that position until a final surge by the Roger Loughran-ridden nine-year-old got him up in the final strides.

'He's a great old battler, very consistent and Roger gave him a great ride. I'm not sure where we'll go now but we may think about the Irish National,' said Fitzsimons.

Conna Castle is on target for the Aintree Festival next month after a very impressive win under David Casey in the two miles novice hurdle.

Glenfinn Captain was a strong favourite here but the Jimmy Mangan-trained gelding swept him aside in a matter of strides after two out and galloped clear to beat that rival by 20L.

Mangan was due to attend a point-to-point at Cloyne which was called off late, and was represented by his wife Mary who said, 'Jimmy was mad that he missed being here.'

'He won three point-to-points and we always thought he was a stayer but he seems to be quite versatile. He'll go for the two miles novice hurdle at Aintree.'

Mansony could also be part of the Irish raiding party at Liverpool after an all-the way success under Conor O'Dwyer in the 2m novice chase, with King Johns Castle staying on nicely 3L back to complete an Arthur Moore 1-2.

'I'm delighted with that and he could go for another conditions chase at Navan before a possible trip to Aintree and then Punchestown as they are all nicely spaced out,' said Moore.

Hardy Eustace's stablemate Imperial Sun gave the Dessie Hughes yard a pre-Cheltenham boost when showing great reserves of stamina to take the 3m maiden hurdle.

Nicky O'Shea sent the consistent seven-year-old to the front off the home turn before going on to gain a hard-earned 3 1/2L victory over Hatchback and the plan is to put him over fences soon.

Sound Witness made all in the 3m handicap chase and, jumping well for Davy Russell, maintained the gallop to hold off the late challenge of Lotomore Lad by a length.

'Soft ground is important to him and he may go for another three mile handicap at Cork in a fortnight,' said trainer Robert Tyner.

Robbie Colgan was taken to Naas Hospital for x-rays on his left femur after a fall from Go On Eileen (14/1-10/1) about a mile from home.

The father and son team of Tucker and Ross Geraghty caused a shock when Leaders Way, 25/1 but paid over 36/1 on the Tote, returned to form in the 2m3f handicap hurdle.

The 11-year-old made smooth headway to join the leaders in the straight, and headed Tawrific Laois after the last to score by eight lengths.

The 'Geraghty' victory put an end to many jackpot hopes, with eventually six lucky winners each receiving a dividend of e2,796.60.

Jamie's Boy got the better of a protracted duel from two out with Knockersally Flyer in the 2m handicap hurdle, Martin Mooney's mount finding a bit extra to prevail by 3/4L.

Jagoes Mills made a winning debut under Katie Walsh in the bumper, heading Cinnamon Toast about a furlong out to score by 2 1/2L.

Alan Magee