Story claims the spoils in opener

The Storyteller flew the last to make a winning debut over fences in the opening beginners chase at Fairyhouse this afternoon.

Keith Donoghue settled behind the leaders on the 11/4 shot before moving into contention two from home.

The Gordon Elliott-trained gelding was driven into the lead over the final fence and a swift leap there propelled him to a comprehensive four-and-three-quarter length win.

7/4 joint-favourite Livelovelaugh who had made most of the running, could find no more in the closing stages as fellow market leader Sutton Manor who had also been prominent, stuck on for the runner-up spot behind his stable-mate.

The winner had been second on his return to action over timber here last month, when chasing home Chateau Conti.

The Storyteller - a big gamble prior to missing Cheltenham last season - wins well on chasing debut at @Fairyhouse. A 1-2 for @gelliott_racing on a big weekend for the team... pic.twitter.com/7d6GB4xeoJ

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) December 2, 2017

"He's a smart horse. I fancied him out of the way last year for Cheltenham but he pulled a muscle and never got there,” said Elliott.

"Keith gave him a very good ride because he was brave enough at home at a few of his fences. I told him to pop and hunt away and he let the boys race away in front and everything worked out great.

"We'll look at something over Christmas at Leopardstown or Limerick. We'll keep it small for him the next day and try and get a bit of confidence into the horse.

"He could go further in time as he relaxes and is a grand horse."

(Quotes by Alan Magee)