Tank begins well over the big ones

Connections of the big guns in the Fairyhouse Membership 2015 On Sale Now Beginners Chase will all come away after the two mile five furlong event happy, but none more so than those involved in winner, The Tullow Tank (a half-brother to Sunday's big Carlisle winner Many Clouds).

The dual Grade 1 winning novice hurdler is bred to be a chaser and indeed he began 'between the flags' so it was hardly any surprise that he passed his initial test over fences with flying colours.

Adrian Heskin let the 4/7 shot lead on the inner, from the pace-setting Azorian at the third last. He went clear from the next and stayed on well on the run-in to easily defeat his main rival Mala Beach (little wrong with this effort – 'missed' the second last) by five and a half lengths.

The aforementioned Azorian was inclined to jump to his left but it was a satisfactory chasing bow from him too, four lengths back in third.

Dessie Hughes was doubling his score after Sheamus earlier win and daughter Sandra said: "He was clever and he's as good as we thought he'd be. All going well he'll come back here for the Drinmore."

Meanwhile Heskin reported: "Everything went without a hitch. There wasn't much pace early and it suited to get a lead. When I wanted him he was plenty brave enough. All he'll do is improve and that'll knock the freshness out of him." (AM & EM)