Memories sets sights on Grade 1 glory

The Paul Fahey trained Lots Of Memories bounced back to form with a win on his third attempt over fences, at Navan today, landing the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Beginners Chase under former Champion Jockey Paul Townend.

The son of Jammaal had broken a blood vessel when a well held fourth in Grade 2 company at Punchestown last month, but today appeared in much better form, staying on strongly in the home straight for an 11 lengths win over Fine Rightly

Following the win Fahey, who works as a farrier for Willie Mullins, revealed “this race was two miles and four furlongs at the original stage (in the racing programme) but I missed the text when it was changed back to 2m1f. We said we'd let him take his chance though, as if we wanted to run at Christmas he needed a prep run.

“He's in the Topaz (Grade 1, Leopardstown) over three miles and he's not done anything to suggest we shouldn't go there.”

Regarding his disappointing effort at Punchestown latest, he added “he was well placed when he hit the fence and burst, or burst and hit the fence, which ever way it happened.

“Paul (Townend, having his first racecourse ride on the gelding today) said he was on his head a bit but his jumping carried him through, and he said he got away with the trip but back up in class he won't.”

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee