Fayonagh cosy winner on hurdling debut

Last season's star bumper performer Fayonagh got her jumping career off to a winning start with the minimum of fuss at Fairyhouse today.

The mare was a stunning winner of the Cheltenham bumper last year, when coming from last to first, and subsequently completed a Grade 1 double at Punchestown.

Sent to post a 2/13 shot for her debut over timber she was bounced out in front by Davy Russell in the two-mile maiden hurdle.

Gordon Elliott 's charge produced a fine round of jumping and flew the final two in the straight.

Russell only had to give his mount a squeeze on the run-in to settle matters and she was on the bridle passing the post to record a two-and-a-half length success. Rock Road a son of Sweet Kiln, showed significant improvement to fill the runner-up spot at 50/1.

“It's job done. Davy was delighted that her jumping was so good and she was professional about it,” said Elliott.

“I don't think she could have done anymore than what she did. She's having a good blow and we know she is going to come on.

“What I loved was that down over the last two she was brilliant. I couldn't be happier and Down Royal is the plan now all being well.

“I'm a big believer in winning what you can win so at the moment the mares race is the plan with her. You never know what's going to happen but for me that's what I'd like to do.

“Keith Donoghue has done a lot of work with her. He rides her most days and has done all the schooling so a big thanks has to go to him.

“Davy got the easy job just getting up and riding her in a race but Keith is after doing all the work on her.

“She's been pretty good (schooling) but until you go and see them do that on the track you never know.

“She made the running in a few of her bumpers, although I know she didn't do it in Cheltenham.

“Just sometimes in those maiden hurdles when you have so many runners if something goes wrong you can end up getting knocked down.

“She doesn't have to make the running but I'd prefer to have them behind you than in front of you!”