On an otherwise quiet 'industry day' meeting at Fairyhouse yesterday afternoon, Markason made a sizeable impression on bookmakers satchels when landing a gamble in division two of the two and a half miles handicap hurdle.
The Ger Cully-trained four-year-old was backed down at all rates from 14/1 to 5/1, and landed in front after two out to beat Bricklad by half a length to supply Flat apprentice Davy Condon with his first winner over hurdles.
An enquiry called into the winners improvement in form was adjourned as video tapes of his recent runs were not available, although Cully reported that his charge needed stitches for a cut after his penultimate start and was unable to go the pace over two miles at Clonmel last time.
New Field earned a 25/1 quote from Cashmans for the Royal & SunAlliance Novice Hurdle when getting his jumping career off to a winning start in the two miles maiden hurdle.
The Paddy Mullins-trained gelding, a bumper winner here last spring, jumped well apart from a slight mistake at the second last and appeared to have plenty in hand by beating Lord'tipple two and a half lengths. 'He's in the Royal Bond but that comes a bit quick and he doesn't have enough experience. We'll find a winners-of-one for him,' said Mullins' son Tom.
Declan Gillespie's only National Hunt horse in training took full advantage of a last flight blunder by Tipperary All Star as Guest Artist got his hurdling career off to a winning start in division one of the four-year-olds' maiden hurdle.
Tipperary All Star, a dual Listed winner on the Flat, looked set to justify evens favouritism when cruising alongside between the final two flights but the final hurdle mistake proved crucial as Alan Crowe's mount kept on well to score by two lengths. 'My son Thomas rides him out and does all the schooling. He was a fair horse on the Flat and jumps well,' said Gillespie afterwards.
Tacitus appreciated a drop in class in division two, leading entering the straight and soon going clear to beat the gambled-on Golden Exchange by a comfortable five lengths. 'He doesn't mind the soft and might be decent enough,' said trainer Dessie Hughes, who reports Champion Hurdle hero Hardy Eustace in 'fabulous' form prior to his scheduled reappearance in the 'Hattons Grace' here on Sunday week.
Paul Gallagher (18), from the Curragh, partnered his third winner when Mac Han got the better of a protracted duel with Neon Star in the two and a quarter mile maiden hurdle. There was a sad footnote to this race as the runner-up collapsed and died soon after the line.
Bluestone Lad took division one of the two and a half miles handicap hurdle in fine style, stretching clear before two out under Tom Ryan for a convincing 12 lengths verdict over Ursumman.
Alan Magee
