Fitzpatrick returns on easy winner Court

Court Frontier proved another wide margin winner at Fairyhouse today as he swept clear in the closing stages of the Marie Keating Charity Race Day Handicap Hurdle.

John Fitzpatrick produced his mount to tackle front-running favourite Westerner Point in the 2m7f contest.

The Alan Fleming-trained gelding asserted before the final flight and galloped on strongly to score by 22 lengths in the colours of Barry Connell.

The 5/2 winner was making his return to action over the smaller obstacles having won two point-to-points and a hunters chase last season.

"We said we'd let him run over hurdles before going back chasing," explained Fleming.

"I thought he might win by a couple of lengths after the second last but the other horse got very tired. We'll find something for him over fences at Christmas time.

"It's nice for John to come back with a winner as he's been out for a while."

Fitzpatrick was having his first ride back since fracturing vertebrae and ribs in a fall at Roscommon on September 28th.

(Quotes by Alan Magee)