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Review LEOPARDSTOWN 2ND MAR

Alexander Milenium flopped on his return to Leopardstown when he finished tailed off in the Stepaside EBF Novice Chase.

The race was won in impressive fashion by Kadoun who quickened from the last to win by 25 lengths under Denis Cullen leaving trainer Michael O'Brien to rue the fact that his winner is not entered at Cheltenham.

Alexander Milenium, the 2/1 favourite, stopped in a stride after the second last fence and was virtually pulled up from the last.

'He just pulled too hard and did not see out the trip. We will drop him back in trip next time out and possibly aim him at the Power Gold Cup at Fairyhouse', said Willie Mullins.

The afternoon had begun well for punters with the first two favourites winning in good style.

Tandys Bridge comfortably held the late challenge of Marigold to win the 2m4f maiden hurdle, the 1/1 chance making virtually all the running under Paul Carberry.

Fota Island proved far too strong for his rivals in the 2m maiden hurdle, scoring a 15 length success under David Casey.

Another 1/1 favourite, Fota Island was well supported and foiled an ambitious gamble on Duchas Macnas (6/1-3/1) who was returning from a 494-day absence.

The stewards enquired into the running and riding of the fourth placed Killultagh Dawn, noting the explanations trainer Michael Hourigan and his son Paul, who rode the filly. She was found to be in season post race.

However, the punters' luck ran out in the Ballsbridge Hurdle when joint favourites Statim and Dashing Home could only fill the minor placings behind the easy-to-back Talking Tactics (8/1) and Paul Moloney.

Statim looked set to score a comfortable success when hitting the front at the last but refused to go through with her effort and appeared content to relinquish her lead in the closing stages.

The Christy Roche-trained Selby Road comfortably reversed Punchestown form with Accordion Etoile to win the bumper.

Despite veering badly to his right inside the final furlong, Selby Road ran out an impressive 20 length winner and will now be put away until next season.

Madonna Fan held on to win the 2m handicap hurlde under a fine ride from Danny Howard who made all the running on the Arthur Moore-trained 8/1 chacnce.

Madonna Fan enjoyed a considerable advantage throughout but began to tire on the run-in and only lasted home by a length and a half from Take Flite.

'He has been working well in front at home and we decided to let him off. He is a not a bad horse and might jump fences in the Summer', said Moore.

David Casey added to his earlier success when landing the Mick Holly Memorial Handicap Chase on Jenniferjo who could now be aimed at the Irish Grand National.

The Dessie Hughes-trained Timbera ran a blinder under top-weight to finish second on his first outing since November and he will now go for the Topham Chase at Aintree.