Easy Game, far side, toughs it out© Photo Healy Racing
A cleaner jump at the last looked to make all the difference as Easy Game came out on top in the Devenish Chase at Fairyhouse.
The 11/8 favourite was produced to lead two from home in the two-and-a-half mile contest but was soon tackled by Castlegrace Paddy
There was nothing between the pair down to the final fence in the Grade 2 contest but the eventual runner-up was untidy jumping the last.
Easy Game took full advantage, under Brian Hayes, and battled gamely on the run-in to record a three-parts-of-a-length win.
Trainer Willie Mullins was completing a quick Grade 2 double on the card, following the victory of Stormy Ireland and he said afterwards:-
“He just really appreciated the nicer ground today. Brian said the last day down in Thurles he was getting stuck in the ground but today he was just jumping so well.
“Brian is a great chase jockey and it was a nice spare for him. He gives horses great confidence.
“I was hoping that Stormy might do the job today but we were looking around for another one after that.
“The jump that Brian got out of Easy Game at the last (made the difference). He looked beaten going to the last and he just pulled him together for one jump and it paid off.
“I'd imagine he and Annamix who ran well enough, will both go to Punchestown now that we have nice ground.
“We might go out in trip with Annamix or drop him back to a handicap.”
