Richie Harding let Salsify (1/2) on about his business to lead at the sixth, and from there the dual Cheltenham Foxhunter Chase hero impressed with his defeat of his three rivals in the Killeavy GAC Raceday Hunters Chase at Fairyhouse.

A magnificent servant to the Sweeney family over the last few years, the now eleven-year-old son of Beneficial asserted two out today for an easy seven length dismissal of Luska Lad

Rodger Sweeney said in the aftermath: "He was injured in 2014 and got injured again at Cheltenham in 2015 but he seems to be back there in a big way.

"He jumped well, and we'll have to have a look at the rule book now. I think he needs to win a point-to-point to qualify for Cheltenham, so he may go for an open race next weekend. Otherwise he will stay at home and go for the Tetratema at Gowran."

Paddy Power go 8/1 from 12/1 about Salsify for this year's Foxhunter.

(AM & EM)