Sword Fish (left) beats Thelobstercatcher as Forever Gold crashes out© Photo Healy Racing
Mark Walsh was once again in sparkling form in the saddle at Fairyhouse, bagging a treble when guiding Sword Fish to victory in the Boylesports Irish Grand National At Fairyhouse Handicap Chase.
Never far off the pace on Christy Roche's 9-2 chance, he nursed him into the lead before the last and extended his advantage over Thelobstercatcher to a length and a quarter at the line.< Missyspet gave Mark Walsh his first win when landing the Fairyhouse Members Mares Maiden Hurdle.
Walsh was happy to track leader Arise And Go Now on the 7-2 favourite, who drew upsides at the lasst and got on top close home to win by a length.
Walsh bagged his double, as well as a brace for trainer Tony Martin, when Noble Emperor eased to victory in the Fairyhouse Supporting Ratoath Beginners Chase.
The 1-2 favourite only had Moonshine Lad for company a long way from home, and when that rival unfortunately had to be pulled up before the third last, Noble Emperor sauntered to a wide-margin win over Oscar Fiain
Shane Shortall booted home Martin's Mydor (5-2 favourite) to get the better of a duel with King Blue in the Special Offers In The Bobbyjo Bistro Handicap Hurdle.
Trainer Peter Fahey kickstarted a double when O Cealliagh caused a shock in the Happy New Year Maiden Hurdle.
Andrew Leigh had built up a commanding lead entering the home straight on the 33-1 chance, and though 4-11 favourite Stuccodor picked up after the last, O Ceallaigh still had two and a half lengths in hand at the line.
Fahey's second winner came courtesy of Frontline in the Start The New Year At Fairyhouse Handicap Hurdle.
Davy Russell was content to employ waiting tactics on the 7-2 joint-favourite, and after easing him off the rail before the second last, he strode on really well to breeze past Asitsohappens by a length and three-quarters.
