Thick fog ruined viewing of the opening race the Winter Festival 3-Y-O Hurdle at Fairyhouse today, although Cross Appeal emerged a three parts of a length winner, under Paddy Flood.

Winning trainer Meade said afterwards: “He’s an odd sort of a horse as he’s loads of ability but he just does what he has to and you’ll probably never see him win by further.”

“He’s very big for a three year old so he should improve. We will run him at Leopardstown over the Christmas and then go back there for the Grade 1 at the end of January.”

“He’s a contender for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham as he’s a nice horse that stays well.”