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Review FAIRYHOUSE 5TH JAN

Dessie Hughes took the training honours at a well-attended Fairyhouse on Saturday, saddling a 6/1 double through Timbera and prolific winner I'vehadit.

The latter initiated the brace when completing a four-timer with a gutsy effort in the First Crack Handicap hurdle, pulling out all the stops to deny Lancero by the minimum margin.

The progressive seven year-old is likely to bid for a fifth straight win in a similar event after providing seven-pound claimer Paul Wade with his seventh career victory.

Timbera (Kieran Kelly) then struck in the following Dunboyne Handicap chase, staying on gamely to see off the persistent challenge of Andrewjames by 1 1/2 lengths.

'He jumped super, and there might just be another one in him,' said Hughes, who went on to reveal that Colonel Braxton is likely to have his next outing in Leopardstown's Dr. PJ Moriarty Novice Chase.

Galway Breeze was produced with a well-timed challenge by Conor O'Dwyer to capture the featured Fairyhouse Handicap Hurdle.

The Broussard gelding, bred by his owner Frank Cruess-Callaghan, seized the initiative on the run to the last, and a quick jump there put the seal on a comfortable 3L defeat of Kapok.

'I thought he'd run well, but didn't expect him to beat Ballykettrail (fourth) as that one looked very well-in,' said Arthur Moore.

Be My Better Half made a bold attempt to give the Naas handler a double of his own in the Kilbride Beginners chase, but was eventually reeled in by Oa Baldixe, with favourite Be My Royal an early casualty.

Birmayne (1/1 - 6/4f), runner-up to Rule Supreme at Leopardstown a week ago, justified his position at the head of the market with an authoritative performance in the Hangover Maiden hurdle.

The six year-old was confidently ridden by Norman Williamson, who sent him to the front approaching the final flight for an eight-length verdict over Elliptic (5/2 - 7/4 - 2/1).

'He basically confirmed his Christmas form there,' said successful trainer Edward O'Grady, who sees his charge as a three-mile chaser in the making.