Fix springs shock in hunters

Hix Fix sprang a 33/1 shock when claiming the Joseph R O'Reilly Memorial Hunters Chase at Fairyhouse this afternoon.

The George Stewart-trained gelding jumped into the lead at the third last and stayed on strongly in the closing stages, under Mark Lynch, to post a comprehensive two-and-three-quarter length victory. Burren River chase him home to take the runner-up spot while 5/4 favourite James was another three-and-a-quarter lengths back in third.

The winner had been behind the market leader when fifth at Down Royal last month but stable representative Leo Gracey felt the step up in trip made the difference today: "We were thinking he might be placed. He ran well at Down Royal and the three miles helped today.

“He has improved every time and even in his point-to-points he has kept going one step up.

“We were looking for a maiden hunters so it's great to win this. He did it well and the ground suited – a nice cut. He likes it soft as he hits the ground hard.”