Returntovendor reaches career high

The running of the Grade B I.N.H. Stallion Owners European Breeders Fund Novice Handicap Hurdle Series Final at Fairyhouse left us with plenty to digest in its aftermath. Connections of Returntovendor (20s into 16s) will remember the three miler most fondly as he made the most of his bottom-weight impost.

Always up there out of trouble Returntovendor eventually came home with four and half lengths to spare over Billy's Hope

Fourth home Bargy Lady can be counted unlucky as she was hampered twice in falls for Polar Present and Ah Littleluck at the third last and final flight respectively.

"It's unbelievable for a horse that started off in the lower grades," said winning trainer Jarlath Fahey on the Phillip Enright-ridden victor.

"I'd love to take the credit for how much he's improved over the season but he was just a very very slow learner.

"He ran in point-to-points and showed a bit but not a lot. He went handicapping and was always narrowly winning. Today was the first day he actually went out and won a race well.

"Other than this he's always been involved in battles. He's gone through the whole season getting hard races and just coming back for more. He's as tough as you'll ever get.

"To win a race of this calibre is just a thrill for me and the owners (Patrick McCarthy) as well.

"He was home-bred by Pat and as everyone knows his dam went to the sales carrying him and was turned back, that's how Pat ended up having him. He's been a lucky one for him and me.

"I was concerned about the ground today and was surprised but how well he went on it.

"He's entered in the Grade 1 at Punchestown. It was a very speculative entry. I don't think he'll take up the entry and we'll leave that to Mr Elliott and Mr Mullins.

"We'll see what the handicapper does and we might run him in the three mile handicap at Punchestown next week.

"He normally takes his race well so I wouldn't be over worried about how he will bounce out of it.

"I didn't think he'd be quick enough to do the donkey work today. I said to him to jump him off handy and if they take him off his feet just settle him back wherever you find him.

"I was surprised he was able to bring them along and I kept waiting for them to come and swallow him up. They never did thank god."

(GC & EM)