Waxies Dargle (right) jumps the last hurdle with Daneking© Photo Healy Racing
The Noel Meade-trained Waxies Dargle took advantage as his rivals blundered away their chances in the opening maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse. Daneking pulled his way to the front at the second flight, under Ruby Walsh, in the two-mile contest but still looked to have plenty left turning for home.
11/8 favourite Le Vent D'Antan was ridden to challenge entering the straight but jumped into the back of the front-runner two from home after he went slightly left.
The market leader did well to stay on his feet but his chance was effectively gone.
Waxies Dargle had closed up going to the penultimate flight and was driven to challenge at the last.
Both horses weren't great at the final obstacle but Daneking stumbled badly a few strides after the hurdle handing the advantage to Waxies Dargle.
The JP McManus-owned gelding kept on, under Tony McCoy, to record a length-and-three quarters success over the long-time leader. Le Vent D'Antan was third.
“I knew he was in good form coming here today,” said Meade.
“He's tough and he likes that ground. His jumping was a bit sketchy on his first few runs but he seems to be getting the hang of it now.
“We bought him after he beat us in a bumper at Limerick.”
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
