"He surprised me as I thought he'd need the race. I was aiming for next week really," admitted local trainer Pat Rooney after his charge Witness Of Fashion scored off a 231 day break in the Fairyhouse Ladies Handicap Chase.

American-native Jeannie Cook was aboard the 20/1 chance, a course specialist here at Fairyhouse, and the eleven-year-old got the better of odds-on favourite Poormans Hill by a neck.

The latter was aiming for a five-timer, whilst for Witness Of Fashion this was a third course victory. The Bay Birch ran well under Katie Walsh to be half a length back in third.

Second favourite Tomcoole Lad and Aine O'Connor went their separate ways at the first.

"He'll probably come back here next Wednesday if he's okay. There is a 0-102. We'll keep him in his own class and see what the handicapper does to him," elaborated Rooney.

"He was never right last year. He got injured early on and I never got him back as he was minding himself all year.

"He never had the ground he really wanted either. We're going to have a bit of fun with him for the year and we'll see how he goes.

"The more mud there is the better he likes it. I thought the ground might be a bit too good today and was glad to see the bit of rain last night.

"He travelled lovely. I ride him myself at home and he's been feeling great. It's a big difference today as he's used to carrying 13 stone and had 9-10 today.

"He's a lovely old ride and has been in great form at home.

"Ken Whelan got Jeannie for me and she did a great job on him."

Owing to the low lying sun, the Stewards granted permission for fence number 5 to be omitted from both circuits of this race.

Miss J. Hughes, rider of Old Time Melody trained by Thomas Cooper, reported to the Clerk of Scales that her mount stopped quickly after the second last.

(GC & EM)