Ballyadam Approach too strong

Ballyadam Approach relished his spin round Fairyhouse as he did it from the front in the Grade B BoyleSports Novice Handicap Chase.

David Splaine disputed the lead on the 10-year-old with Black Zero and Johnny Burke throughout. On the homeward bend Dysios travelled strongly on their outer and appeared poised to deliver a knockout blow.

However, Ballyadam Approach climbed for home with gusto and was several lengths up on a toiling Dysios at the last where the latter fell when booked for second.

This left 9/2 favourite Mr Fiftyone to come through for second, albeit three and three quarter lengths in arrears. Black Zero kept on at one pace for third at 16/1. He was beaten 11 and a quarter lengths by the winner.

Handler Terence O'Brien said: "I quietly fancied him today. He's broken down three times and had a full wind operation twice but his owner has been very patient.

"He was off a handy weight, and is only coming to himself. He's a ten-year-old but has never had a run of more than four or five races together. I think he'll even improve from that.

"I hope he'll get into the big novice handicap now at Punchestown."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee