Frontline hits the last before going on to win© Photo Healy Racing
Peter Fahey continued the celebrations on New Year's Day when Frontline lunged late to give him a double on the card at Fairyhouse. O Ceallaigh proved a shock 33/1 winner in the opener for the Monasterevin handler but there was money for Frontline in the Start The New Year Fairyhouse Handicap Hurdle.
The King's Theatre gelding was as big as 12/1 this morning but was returned 7/2 joint favourite on course.
Davy Russell tracked the leaders on the seven-year-old and he moved through smoothly to take closer order going to the final flight.
A blunder there took him off the bridle but he still had plenty left as he chased down front-runner Asitsohappens in the closing stages for a length-and-three-quarters success.
The winner took a Killarney bumper in July 2013 and was making his first start since finishing mid-division in a maiden hurdle here last May.
"Davy said he was a bit idle going to the last but he picked up well after the mistake," said Fahey.
"Since the lads (Flyers Syndicate) bought him everything has gone wrong but fair play to them they gave me plenty of time and I'm delighted for them.
"It's the first time I've had a clear run with the horse since he won his bumper. We'll look for something similar - another handicap."
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
