O'Grady & Townend on the mark with Awake

The West's Awake justified favouritism in the Book Your Christmas Party At Fairyhouse December 17th Maiden Hurdle.

Second on his debut in a bumper at Down Royal last year, the Edward O'Grady trained gelding then finished seventh when again sent off favourite on his second start at Leopardstown.

He filled the runner-up spot on his debut over flights at Down Royal in May, and he was sent off the 9/4 favourite to go one place better this afternoon.

Settled in mid-division by Paul Townend, the five-year-old victor made good progress after the third last, and went second before the next.

He travelled strongly to challenge approaching the last, and he was pushed along to lead on the run-in, keeping on well to score by a length and three parts.

The easy to back Sutton Manor (13/8 last night and from 2's to 5/2 on-course) attempted to make all under Keith Donoghue, but had no answer once headed, and had to settle for second. Russellstown completed the placings a further length and a half back in third under Rachael Blackmore for Ellmarie Holden at 9/2.

Edward O'Grady said afterwards: "I suppose, because of the ground, the jumpers are a little bit behind and I was concerned he might not be fit enough to win.

"He had a good blow and hopefully he'll go on from there.

"I thought he was a pretty high class horse as a bumper horse but the problem was he was too keen for his own good.

"Paul said he's gone a little bit the other way and switched off. That's maybe the key to him, that he's reserving a bit of energy for the correct part of the race."

STEWARDS REPORTS

B.J. Geraghty, rider of Billy De Kid (FR) trained by Thomas Cooper, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a respiratory noise in running.

L.P. Dempsey, rider of Ceide Fields (GB) trained by S.J.Mahon, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount raced freely.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson