Whip Mark battles well to land Fairyhouse opener

Jim Bolger received a nice boost when enjoying the Minor Football Final at Croke Park, with the news that Whip Mark had justified favouritism in the opening Ratoath Maiden at Fairyhouse.

Kevin Manning was always up there on the Bolger home-bred but he was headed over a furlong out by Prayer Boat (backed from 7/1 this morning into 7/2). However he battled well to regain the lead inside the final furlong and from there on he held the staying on late Phoebe Van Gelder by half a length.

Ger Flynn, representing Bolger, said: "Kevin said the step-up to seven would help. He stayed on well and he is a full-brother to Roches Cross that won in Listowel in June.

"He is progressive and he is coming along physically and mentally. We'll see how the handicapper treats him now."