Keith Donoghue steers Jouster home© Photo Healy Racing
Gavin Cromwell 's Jouster picked up compensation for a recent fall when obliging in the Fairyhouse Bumper Bundle For Easter Handicap Hurdle over an extended two and a-half miles.
A month ago he travelled well to close in fourth at the penultimate flight over a similar trip at this venue, but departed in jumping that obstacle.
It was a different story today.
He moved well for Keith Donoghue in this 80-102 grade and, after disputing the lead, led on his own two out. He began to extend, but Solly Attwell started to get interested on the outer.
Donoghue kept 5/4 favourite Jouster at it on the run-in and the pair were always holding the challenger Solly Attwell (9/1) who was three-quarters of a length in arrears at the line. Danny The Fence (13/2) finished third, beaten three lengths by the victor.
Assistant trainer Garvan Donnelly said: “He was unlucky the last day, when he fell at the second last, and it was good to get that compensation.
“He seems to go through the ground well, he jumped really well and Keith gave him a good ride. Hopefully there is another day in him.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
