Wedding Present is clear at Fairyhouse© Photo Healy Racing
The bigger the field the bigger the certainty as the old adage goes. Wedding Present was hammered in from 2/1 this morning into 6/4 for the 25-runner Summer Racing At Fairyhouse Maiden Hurdle and he delivered in style under Adrian Heskin.
Five to one shot Giant's Quest ended up being a non-runner (stone bruise) but he'd have likely struggled to cope with Wedding Present who accounted for Seskinane by eleven lengths having taken over from entering the straight.
Sean O'Brien, the winning trainer, said: "It's good to get the win before the season is over. He's a possibility to go to Punchestown now for the three miler as there is nothing else for him.
"It's all a bonus as he's a chaser in the making. He can be a bit awkward over his hurdles but he's a very good jumper.
"In a better race with a better gallop it should suit him. He was in front too long in Cork (when second on his previous run, over three miles) and today was a different story as he travelled there and did it well.
"It didn't look the best of races but he did all he could do.
"I've an uncle that rides him at home at the age of 69 – he's lazy at home. I think he'll make a lovely staying chaser.
"He's been a good wedding present. My uncle Dick gave him to us as a three-year-old.
"Unfortunately my wife (winning owner, Caroline) is not here to see him today. She's been here every other day but one of the kids is sick at home." (GC & EM)
