Archangel Raphael (Joseph O'Brien, purple and white, centre) keeps up the gallop© Photo Healy Racing
The Children Under 18 Free Everyday At Fairyhouse Rated Race was reduced to a three runner affair with Edelpour's defection owing to a nasal discharge. Ballydoyle were two-handed and they supplied the first two home, Archangel Raphael (13/8) defeating 6/5 favourite Outspoken
Joseph O'Brien partnered Archangel Raphael, equipped with both first-time cheek-pieces and a tongue-strap, on his reappearance following a Galway maiden win last September.
The Montjeu colt made a lot of the running and he kept on strongly in the final furlong to get the better of Donnacha's mount, Outspoken, by two lengths. Botany Bay the Ulster Derby hero, was five lengths off the front pair, last of the three.
"He's quite laidback and the cheek-pieces were a help. It was never really in doubt and he won snug at the line," said Joseph.
"A mile and a half is no problem to him, and I'd say he'll get further in time."
(AM & EM)
