Bitofapuzzle cracks home team

Harry Fry's trip across the Irish Sea with Bitofapuzzle reaped lucrative dividends as she took Grade One glory in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Mare Novice Hurdle Final at Fairyhouse.

She was the highest rated in the field and put her 13 rivals to the sword in good style.

This was Fry's first Grade One success.

Noel Fehily had the 3/1 favourite tanking along in behind Bonny Kate before the latter made a mistake at the fourth last. This allowed Bitofapuzzle to assume the lead.

She travelled smoothly on the homeward bend approaching two out and went clear of the pursuers. Despite an untidy jump at the last, she had plenty in hand as she won by four and a quarter lengths. Petite Parisienne started to stay on before the second last and came through for second at 9/2 for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh. She made mistakes at the last two flights. Another Mullins representative, Lyrical Theatre kept on for third at 8/1.

Harry Fry said: "She's been a star for us this season, and they went a real gallop from the start. The conditions suited her today and Noel pressed on from a long way out as she's a three-miler really.

"She's as hard as nails, and keeps improving. You never really know until you come here whether it's a race too far or not but full credit to her as she's had a number of hard races this season.

"She'll have a proper break now; she's earned it and more. She's made for fences and will go chasing in the autumn."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee