Don't Talk makes the breakthrough under Meyler

Don't Talk made the breakthrough on his eleventh start, as he claimed the Happy Christmas From All At Fairyhouse Handicap Hurdle.

A close third over the course and distance on New Year's Day, the Karl Thornton-trained six-year-old had been ultimately disappointing since.

Fitted with a tongue-strap for the first time this afternoon, the Jukebox Jury bay was sent off a 6/1 chance under Donagh Meyler.

After racing mainly in third, the Gary Ryan-owned victor was pushed along to challenge before two out and soon led, keeping on well on the run-in to see off the game effort of Robindevidastar (10/1) by two-and-a-half lengths.

There was a further three-and-a-half lengths back to Mr Social (11/2) in third, while the well-backed Magic Olinger (3/1 favourite from 8s early) could only manage fourth.

"He did it well, I thought the ground was as deep as he'd want it," Thornton commented.

"He ran well around here last New Year's Day and did everything right there today.

"He might go back over fences, we'll get today out of the way and he'll probably want a couple of weeks off now."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Karl Thornton, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Don't Talk (GER), placed first, as compared with its recent form. Karl Thornton, Trainer, stated that he was unable to offer any explanation for his last run and hoped that the application of a first time tongue tie would see an improved performance. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted the content of the report.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson