Portarlington clear of the field as he tackles the last© Photo Healy Racing
Portarlington continued his rich vein of form with an easy victory in Division 2 of the two and a-half mile handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse.
Ian Donoghue 's charge won over a similar trip at this venue last month and reverted to fences to pocket another first prize in Tramore a couple of weeks later.
The hat-trick came up in good style under Josh Williamson today.
The pair joined Jetaway To Getaway three out and led into the straight. They asserted two out and powered home by nine lengths to justify 6/5 favouritism. Slim Marvel (6/1) finished a remote second, some three-and-a-half-lengths clear of Ladiam (50/1).
Donoghue said: “He jumped a bit high coming back from fences last time and ran lazily, but Josh knows him well and gave him a great ride. He didn’t let it turn into a sprint, and he’s won very well.
“He’ll continue to mix and there is a two-mile handicap at Dundalk in January, a 47-65, that he can go for.
“We will go somewhere over Christmas and he’s a great fun horse for the lads (Pipe Down Syndicate).”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
