Speaking following Kerryhead Sunshine's win on a free admission day at Fairyhouse today, Michael Hourigan revealed that Beef Or Salmon's withdrawl at Leopardstown on Sunday was due to a knock to his head which resulted in blood appearing in his nostrils.
Hourigan reported 'Beef Or Salmon hit his head either on the lorry, in the stable, or in the saddling enclosure, which resulted in blood appearing in his nostil.'
He added 'the injury is something similar to what happened to Istabraq before winning his third Champion Hurdle and Beef Or Salmon has scoped clean and has been given a clean bill of health.'
'The Betfair Cup (Saturday week) is the only real option and he runs there.'
Meanwhile, Kerryhead Sunshine, winner of the maiden hurdle (div 3) under in-form Andrew McNamara, was receiving a big confidence booster, having fallen on her three previous outings over jumps.
Hourigan stated 'she over-jumped when falling in her point to points and she surprised me how well she jumped today.'
Trainer Tom Taaffe was also on hand to outline plans for Kicking King following Dead Sound's success, under Barry Geraghty, in the Christmas Hospitality Maiden Hurdle (division 2),
Dead Sound, carrying JP McManus' colours, tracked the leaders before progressing to lead approaching the third last flight, before staying on for a three length win over La Fisarmonica.
Taaffe later reported 'Dead Sound showed enough last season to win here but we will let him learn his trade in a winners' race before stepping up in grade.'
Regarding Kicking King, Taaffe stated 'he is in super order and I am looking forward to the Betfair Cup at Haydock on Saturday week where he should be a better horse than when seen on his seasonal debut at Punchestown.'
There was a 33/1 shock (199/1 on Betfair) winner of the Christmas Hospitality Maiden Hurdle when Tawrific Laois benefited from a good ride from John Sullivan to score for trainer Seamus Fahey.
Tawrific Laois made steady progress through the field to lead after two out, eventually staying on for a two length win over I See Icy.
Fahey later mentioned 'he was running well when he fell on his debut in point to points but disappointed us since. The owners had a few small quid on him at a nice price!'
The opening Leo's Gone Walkabout Maiden Hurdle went to Eddie Hales' Public Reaction, who made all for a half length win from staying on 15/8 favourite Mister Month.
Afterwards Hales reported 'Public Reaction jumped well today and will go chasing now. The runner-up today looks a very good horse so it was a good performance.'
Pilltown restricted license holder Dick O'Gorman saddled Ceart Go Leo to win the handicap hurdle and mentioned that his son Richard is due to take over the license on November 27.
