O'Brien saddles one-two in Fairyhouse opener

Uisce Beatha led home a one-two for Joseph O'Brien in the opening race of the Easter Festival at Fairyhouse.

Even-money-favourite Savannah Storm travelled well and was on terms two out, however, after jumping that flight he weakened out of contention when push came to shove.

Uisce Beatha was never far from the pace and moved to the front before the final flight. Once he cleared that obstacle, he galloped on well under JJ Slevin to land this two mile maiden hurdle by four and a quarter lengths at 4/1.

His stablemate Whatchamacallit made a promising debut as he got up for second on the run-in at 7/1. Front-running Reine Fee came home third at 66/1.

Joseph O’Brien said: “He’s a well-bred horse and it’s nice to get him off the mark. I’d say this was an ordinary enough race though.

“He’s a novice now up until the Royal Bond so he could keep on the go during the summer. I’m not sure — we’ll have to see. He’s a lovely big horse though and one for a couple of years’ time.

“The second horse is nice too. He’s a Presenting and a little bit less mature than the winner. He’ll be a smashing horse in a couple of years’ time as well and could possibly come back for a bumper.”

The first two home sported the JP McManus colours.

This was Uisce Beatha's second run after finishing runner-up in a Thurles bumper in November.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee