The top two in the market dominated in the New Years Day Racing At Fairyhouse Handicap Hurdle and it was 11/4 favourite Blazing West that proved strongest from 'second in' Exit Seven (11/2).

The Willie Austin owned/trained and bred Blazing West, a half-sister to 2011 Galway Plate heroine, Blazing Tempo, followed up on her Thurles maiden hurdle success from November 5th, again with Eamonn Corbett in the plate.

Exit Seven challenged and had every chance from before the last but Blazing West kept on best on the run-in to assert in the closing stages for a three parts of a length win.

There was a nine and a half length gap back to Claire Pet in third.

"I tried to make it a test of stamina," disclosed Corbett.

"I got a bit of air into her and she went again. It's tough going out there but she stuck at it well."

Philip M. Byrne, trainer of Whispering Hope reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge did not handle the ground.

(AM & EM)