Gangster and Bryan Cooper© Photo Healy Racing
Willie Mullins stole the show at Fairyhouse when saddling a sensational four-timer at the County Meath circuit.< Killultagh Vic (1-5 fav) got the ball rolling when making a flawless start to his chasing career with victory in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase.
The Grade One-winning hurdler jumped well throughout the two-mile contest and didn't have to be extended to draw some 15 lengths clear of Arctic Skipper < Roi Des Francs (8-13) made a similarly striking impression 30 minutes later when seeing off Sub Lieutenant with the minimum of fuss, coming home six lengths to the good and possibly booking himself a Cheltenham Festival ticket in the process.
It was more of the same for Mullins in the Book Online At Fairyhouse.ie 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle as Allblak Des Places sporting the same colours as the legendry Hurricane Fly, made a winning start on these shores.
The 1-3 favourite with always travelling kindly on the front end but was strongly pressed by Outspoken in the straight, and a better jump at the last from Aidan O'Brien's charge would have surely seen him bridge the length and three quarter gap at the line.
The feature race on the card, the Grade Three Kerry Group Stayers Novice Hurdle, will also be heading back to Muine Beag as Gangster completed a marvellous afternoon for the champion trainer with taking 10 length victory.
Jockey Bryan Cooper always appeared confident aboard the 5-6 market leader who readily asserted once given the office, powering 10 lengths clear on the run-in.
Mullins was denied a fifth winner on the card when a final-flight blunder from Au Quart De Tour allowed Victory Mill (13-2) to triumph in the Fairyhouse Membership 2016 Maiden Hurdle while there was a gutsy success for Blazing West (11-4 fav) in the New Years Day Racing At Fairyhouse Handicap Hurdle.
There was a good finish to the Merry Christmas From Fairyhouse Handicap Hurdle as Flemenstorm (16-1) prevailed by half a length.
