Assembly rallies for Grade 1 glory

Trainer Pat Fahy and jockey Davy Condon combined for a surprise win in the Grade 1 Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle at Punchestown today, winning with 14/1 shot Morning Assembly

Morning Assembly raced prominently throughout, moved to lead three out and while headed by Inish Island before the final flight, rallied gamely to eventually overhaul that rival on the run-in for a going away win. Even money favourite Ballycasey (stablemate of Inish Island) couldn't land a blow from before the home turn and was well held in third.

Fahy, who is based in Co Carlow and was recording just his third winner of the season, later stated “it's great to have a win like this as we've had a very slack season and after Fairyhouse (where he fell) we were really down on the ground. However we decided to stick with him and go for this Grade 1 and he proved he's a real dour stayer and came home really well today.

“I'd say we'll go chasing next season and he'll respect a fence a lot more. He was bought to be a chaser and I'm just lucky to have such a good horse!

Condon has endured a quiet spell as a jockey in recent years but is thus far enjoying something of a breakthrough year in 2013 having already won at the Cheltenham Festival and the Powers Gold Cup in 2013 before today's Grade 1 success.

Quotes from Alan Magee