Shark's Mart enjoys the better ground

The form of Lord Ben's Thurles win is working out well and half-an-hour after the second from there, Toner D'Oudairies scored, fourth on that occasion, Mart Lane came forward sufficiently to win the New Children's Playground Beginners Chase at Fairyhouse.

He mightn't be the biggest in the world, but on his second start here over fences, Danny Mullins' mount showed good athleticism in getting across his fences.

The successful eight-year-old (7s into 6s) had this race 'in the bag' barring accidents from two out and he eventually comfortably beat the favourite, Mackeys Forge by four lengths.

John 'Shark' Hanlon handles Mart Lane for Barry Connell and he said: "That's lovely. He jumped a lot better today than the last day.

"He's a lovely fun horse – he's not over-big.

"We thought he was going to be a right horse in bumpers.

"He's a full-brother to Western Leader so the family have been lucky for me.

"My horses are flying again on the good ground – I have no horses for soft ground.

"I thought that might be a bit slow for him but he handled it." (GC & EM)