Fairymount Boy and Barry John Foley clear the last© Photo Healy Racing
Fairymount Boy recorded his first win on his twenty first start, as he took the Bramblestown Handicap Hurdle under Barry John Foley for Michael Hourigan junior.
Fourth on his last two starts, the eight-year-old son of Beneficial was available at 10/1 last night, opening on-course at 7s, before going off a 6/1 chance.
Settled in mid-division on the outer, the bay victor took closer order before four out, and was on the heels of the leaders before the next.
He travelled best and led before the last, keeping on well on the run-in, despite swishing his tail, to score by a length and three parts.
The twelve-year-old Yes Man finished second at 33/1 under Roger Loughran for Denis Cullen, while 12/1 chance Naughty But Nice was another half a length back in third for Mark Walsh and Charles O'Brien. Boytonrath (6/1) completed the placings a further ten lengths back in fourth, while the 5/1 favourite Theatre Run faded tamely in the straight, eventually finishing fifth.
The winning handler said afterwards: "He's a grand horse but it's just a case of it all falling right for him.
"He was a bit sick after Sligo and it was probably a bit soon running him in Ballinrobe but when you are getting into theses races, and the fact that the owner is from Ballinrobe, I had a cut.
"He just happened to be in front too soon then and maybe a bit today as well.
"He's handicapped in both spheres and should go on and win a couple. He has plenty of ability and getting his head over the line was what we needed to do.
"This winter tracks might suit him better. With the summer tracks it's kind of hit and miss and all on the line kind of job whereas on these winter tracks you probably get a bit more time to sort them out up the straight.
"He was cantering up the straight but when you let him down he didn't find a lot. That's why they are 80 to 95 horses.
"Hopefully he can go forward after this. I'm delighted for Paddy (Hayes) as he's my only owner. I've trained four horses for him and won with three. They haven't been superstars but I've won with them.
"You know how hard it is to win one race as an owner so it keeps him happy and keeps me happy - it gets me out of the house!"
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
