Fairyhouse proved a fitting venue for Sandra Hughes, daughter of the late Dessie Hughes, to get off the mark as a trainer as Sub Lieutenant in the hands of Bryan Cooper, won division one of the Happy 80th Birthday Peter Donnelly Maiden Hurdle.

Top jockey-turned-top trainer Dessie Hughes, who passed away on November 16, registered his own first and last winners at the venue (Church Island on January 1, 1980 and The Tullow Tank last November 4) and was therefore fitting for her successor to have her own first winner at the Co Meath track.

Following the win, Sandra Hughes stated “we’ve always thought a lot of this horse and Dad loved him. Fairyhouse has been a lucky place for us in the past and it’s great to get the first one (winner).

“He was very impressive there so we’ll see how he comes out of this race and have a look at Christmas.

“I’ve a great team in the yard and we are all working very hard.”

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee