Review FAIRYHOUSE 17TH DEC

David Casey took the riding honours with a spectacular 142/1 treble including both beginners chases on the Willie Mullins-trained pair Homer Wells and Major Vernon.

Homer Wells finally got his head in front over fences after a couple of second placings when staying on best on the run-in to beat Deep Return by 1 1/2L in the 3m1f beginners chase.

'He jumped well and stayed on great. He needs it soft and will have to earn his keep over the winter months,' said Mullins of the 7yo who will be entered for Cheltenham but will only run with cut in the ground.

Major Vernon was all the rage (5/2-7/4) for the 2m2f beginners event, and stayed on under pressure from Casey to beat the flattering Publican by two lengths.

'I'm quite pleased considering it was his first run over fences. David said he idled in front, and staying chasing is where his future lies.'

'He may also go for the Grade 1 Ascon/Rohcon Novice Chase at Leopardstown or the two and a half mile novice at Limerick,' said Mullins.

Casey, out of action earlier this season with a serious neck injury, brought his tally to 19 this term when Penny Rich brought bookmakers some respite in the 2m handicap hurdle.

Tazmana (2/1f) looked set to score when cruising to the front two out but found little under pressure as 25/1 shot Penny Rich came through on the far side to beat Coalition by 3 1/2L.

Davy Russell cemented his new association with owner Seamus Ross when Artist's Muse justified good support in the three-year-old maiden hurdle.

The Ted Walsh-trained filly was patiently-ridden to lead between the final two flights and kept on to beat Vox Populi by 1L as the pair quickly pulled 8L clear of the remainder.

'She ran much the same as Navan beating Vox Populi again by a length and, if she's alright, will probably go for the Durkan New Homes Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown,' said Walsh.

Russell later doubled up and brought his tally for the season to 44 when Ballard Lad ended a barren spell for trainer Suzanne Cox in the 2m4f maiden hurdle.

The six-year-old gelding struck the front after two out, and stayed on strongly to beat Geill Sli by 8L with the always prominent Mister Month 2 1/2L back in third.

'That's my first winner since he won a bumper at Wexford in July. The horses have just not been right but are all jumping out of their skins now,' said Ms Cox.

Goodonyou-Polly was produced to challenge in the straight by Paul Carberry in the Irish Racing Yearbook Novice Handicap Chase, and was driven out to get the better of Heez A Wonder by 1/2L.

First Author (10/1-11/2) made a winning debut in the bumper, staying on well for Aidan Fitzgerald to beat Coolgreaney by 1 1/2L.

Alan Magee