'Proper horse' wins Fairyhouse maiden hurdle

Division one of the 19 runner Like Fairyhouse On Facebook Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse today provided a fascinating skirmish between the Elliott/Gigginstown and Mullins/Ricci camps with victory in the end going to the Elliott trained, impressive winner Tombstone

Despite the big field, the market centered almost completely around the Willie Mullins trained 10/11 favourite Pylonthepressure and Elliott's 5/4 second favourite Tombstone.

Pylonthepressure, under Paul Townend, improved to lead entering the home straight as Tombstone, under Davy Russell, moved into second. Tombstone then went past Pylonthepressure approaching the final flight and quickened well for a for a five lengths win.

Winning trainer Elliott, who was completing a double, was impressed by Tombstone's performance and later stated “the way he quickened after the last I'd say he's a proper horse. It looked a good race, and we'll find something for him at Christmas."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee