Western Leader and Andrew McNamara© Photo Healy Racing
< Western Leader showed tremendous battling abilities to come out on top in the Ratoath Community Beginners Chase at Fairyhouse.
Involved in a duel for the lead for much of the race with Golanbrook the 7-2 chance looked to have come out second best in that duel rounding the home turn.< Rupert Lamb looked likely to trump them both, but Western Leader ran on well under Andrew McNamara to win by two and a quarter lengths.< Speed Dial produced a strong late surge to land the richest race on the card, the Start The New Year At Fairyhouse Handicap Hurdle.
Pat Hughes' 5-2 favourite still had work to do after the last as Acriveen just edged ahead.
However, Tim Carroll galvanised Speed Dial and he finished with a flourish to score by two and a quarter lengths.< King Of Firth produced a game effort from the front to land the New Year Maiden Hurdle.
His trainer Mags Mullins has been in flying form of late and he travelled well throughout under Danny Mullins.
The 2-1 favourite fended off the attentions of Smithfield and Pyrus Gold Wind all the way up the home straight, beating the latter by two lengths at the line.< Annie Oakley struck with an impressive finishing burst to land the Bobbyjo Bistro Mares Maiden Hurdle.
Always to the fore under Robbie Power, the 3-1 chance took over in front at the second last and a slick leap at the final flight was enough for her to come three and a half lengths clear of Queen Of The Hill < Wise Oscar was an impressive winner of the Special Offers In Bobbyjo Bistro Handicap Hurdle for Dessie Hughes and Bryan Cooper.
The 6-4 favourite edged into the lead at the second-last and cruised clear, eventually recording an eight-length verdict over Miss Xian
Gordon Elliott's Tarquinius (5-2) landed the Fairyhouse Members Handicap Chase.
