Conker proves hard to crack in beginners

The Conker Club bridged a losing run stretching back over two years when recording a hard-earned victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase at Fairyhouse.

Bill Harney's charge added to a previous Clonmel maiden hurdle success when leading after two out in this 2m1f event.

Robbie Colgan kept the 5/2 favourite right up to her work to beat Bellgrove (7/1 this morning and sent off just 3/1) by a length and a quarter. Shamar had the field well stretched out from an early stage but compromised his chance by continually jumping left.

He was a spent force after two out and only just climbed over the last to trail in a further 38 lengths back in third.

Harney said, "It's just nice to win with her and she deserves it. I've no plans and we'll sit and have a think.

"The lads who own her love it and really get excited. She's a great animal for a syndicate as she's fun all the time and is always knocking on the door.

"She handles most type of ground except really bad heavy winter ground."

(GC & AM)