Joseph O'Brien has a high-profile bunch of ex-Ballydoyle inmates to go to war with in the juvenile division this season and the first couple to appear came home first and second in the Racing On New Years Day 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse.< Landofhopeandglory was all the rage thanks to his Flat exploits that included a second placing in the Curragh Cup, and he was sent off the 10-11 favourite in the hands of Barry Geraghty.
He came with his challenge heading down the last, where a good jump carried him clear, and he wasn't hard pressed to see off running-on stablemate Big Ben by a length and a half.
That formed part of a four-timer for Geraghty, initiated when Woodford Island put Friday's Down Royal tumble behind him in the Marie Keating Foundation Fundraising Day At Fairyhouse November 16th Beginners Chase.
Gordon Elliott's 6-5 favourite briefly headed long-time leader Jimmy Twotimes three out, but put in his serious challenge approaching the last and he found more on the run to the line to prevail by a length and a quarter.
Geraghty was also in the saddle when the Eric McNamara-trained Irish Bulletin (4-1) capitalised on a mark 20lb lower than his timber figure in the Book Easter Festival Tickets Online At fairyhouse.ie Handicap Chase, and on the Elliott-trained Fire In His Eyes in the INH Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle.
Market leader Balzac Turgot in the Gigginstown first colours, dictated terms to suit himself but was headed by Fire In His Eyes and Mahler Ten at the final flight, and the 2-1 shot pulled out plenty for Geraghty to prevail by half a length.< The West's Awake (9-4 favourite) hasn't had much racing but showed what he is capable of when right with an impressive defeat of Sutton Manor in the Book Your Christmas Party At Fairyhouse December 17th Maiden Hurdle.< Tintown Robin took the Your Clubs Fundraiser At Fairyhouse, Enquire Today Handicap Hurdle, while Theo won the Book Winter Festival Tickets Online At fairyhouse.ie Handicap Hurdle.
