Review fairyhouse 19th Jul

Exciting young hurdler Jumbo Rio enhanced his reputation with a game victory in the Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Hurdle at Tipperary.

The Grade One Punchestown winner had to settle for second place in two recent trips to France but showed his mettle back on home soil.

Andrew McNamara had the 11-8 favourite covered up in midfield while Ebaziyan made the running until four out when he began to make his move.

Jumbo Rio jumped into the lead at the second last but was all out to hold Cuan Na Grai who rallied strongly on the run-in, by a head.

"He is a very tough horse. He'll probably go for a flat race next before going back to Auteuil in November," said trainer Edward O'Grady.

"It took him 40 hours to get to France last time and he still put in a good performance which just shows how tough he is."

Niall 'Slippers' Madden took the riding honours with a fabulous 6,299-1 four-timer on The Phantom Piper (7-1) in the Tote Jackpot Races 3 to 6 Handicap Chase, Wins Now (6-4 favourite) in the first division of the Pride of Tipperary Beginners Chase, The Rebel Returns (14-1) in the O'Dwyer Tarmac Handicap Hurdle and Baily Rock (20-1) in the Children's Entertainment Hurdle.

On the Flat at Fairyhouse, Aine (12-1) got up in the dying strides to snatch the feature Belgrave Stakes.

Wayne Lordan brought Tommy Stack's filly with a telling late surge to pip Snaefell by a neck.

"That was a bit of a result. She was second in two Listed races last year and it was important she won one. She may run in the Curragh next weekend in the Sweet Mimosa Stakes," said Stack's son and assistant Fozzy.

Lordan made it a brace on Master Marvel in the Boyne Valley Heritage Handicap.

Johnny Murtagh got in on the double act with wins on Signore Memento (9-2) in the Discover Meath Handicap and Trinity Scholar (10-1) in the Ballybin Maiden.

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