The inclement weather conditions and very heavy ground proved no problem to Ballyamber as the Willie Millins-trained gelding landed the three miles INH Stallion Owners EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle Series Final in great style under Ruby Walsh.
The uneasy 2/1 favourite Prince Of Tara fell while disputing the lead with The Premier Cat two out, but the result was soon settled as Walsh's mount cruised to the front for a very easy four lengths verdict over Eskimo Jack.
'He has been showing plenty at home in the past few weeks, and would be better on good ground and over a shorter trip. The Royal & SunAlliance Novice Hurdle is a possibility, although he could wait for the Fairyhouse and Punchestown Festivals,' said Mullins.
Sheltering was taken out of the Fairyhouse Schooling Races Hunter Chase due to a 'dirty nose', and it was Joe Blake who took full advantage when justifying 5/4 favouritism in the hands of Liam Lennon. The seven-year-old came from off the pace to beat Johann Sebastian by a length, and trainer Ian Ferguson is considering the Foxhunters at Cheltenham for which he is 14/1 with Cashmans.
Dessie Hughes has the Kim Muir Handicap Chase at Cheltenham and the Irish National as possible targets for Timbera, who recorded his fourth consecutive handicap win under Kieran Kelly in the Tom Dreaper Handicap Chase.
Charlie Swan was in double form aboard Heroic and Dutsdale Dancer. Heroic, which is also trained by Swan for J P McManus, made virtually all in the Tolka River Maiden Hurdle keeping on well in the straight to beat Kiora lady by five lengths.
Dutsdale Dancer was patiently-ridden by the former champion to gain a deserved win in the Sutherland River Handicap Hurdle, striking the front at the last to beat Sheer Frustration by a length and a half. 'Charlie thinks we should have a go at the Coral Eurobet Handicap Hurdle. I've never had a runner at the Festival before, but we will have to consider it,' said permit holder Tony Whelan, who currently has just two in training nearby at Ratoath.
Alan Magee
