Tammys Hill and James Smyth (nearest)© Photo Healy Racing
Last season's Foxhunter hero Salsify had to settle for second on his return to action as Tammys Hill proved too strong in the Rosslare Hunters Chase at Wexford. Onefortheroad Mac lead by a long way in the early stages of the 2m6f event but came back to the field two from home.
Tammys Hill soon took over and was tracked through by Salsify.
Liam Lennon 's prolifc point-to-point winner had too many gears for the even-money favourite in the closing stages.
He stayed on strongly for James Smyth, riding in his father Patrick's colours, to post a three-and-a-half length winning margin.
Salsify had proven easy to back on his return having been as short as 8/15 this morning and touching 5/4 in the ring.
The winner has been a money-spinner for connections and was taking his 12th race and his third 'on the track'.
"He was beaten on very heavy ground up north the last day and we took him here for the slighly better ground. The ground makes a big difference to him," said the winning rider afterwards.
"He'll go to Cheltenham in March and before that there is Down Royal on Boxing Day. Punchestown is also an option."
Jockey Colman Sweeney was happy with the performance of Salsify on his seasonal debut:-
"It's a nice start back and he probably needed it a bit. He probably would have got away with it on nicer ground."
(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)
