Another for J P & Tom but overshadowed by sadness

Bob Lingo has Foildubh's measure at Fairyhouse
(Healy Racing Photos)

The other McManus representatives were Bellvano (tired in 4th when taking a heavy fall at the last - unfortunately turned out to be fatal) and the favourite Shot From The Hip (didn't jump great and disappointed in 6th, McCoy reported he never travelled & the horse was reported to have coughed twice but to be post race normal) as Bob Lingo stepped-up markedly on recent form. The victor, now a 10yo, stayed on well from the last to beat Foildubh by three and a half lengths.

Tom Mullins (had a big success with the McManus-owned Alderwood yesterday) said: "We fancied him in the Thyestes but he lost his way a bit.

"Maybe we didn't train him as hard in order to freshen him up and he was definitely fresher today.

"He was due one of these as he won a good beginners chase here in January of last year.

"He's a bit of a head-banger – he was to be ridden up there – there is no talking to him if he wants to go on.

"He's ten now so maybe he's settling a bit. We might exploit the 120 mark that he has over hurdles, at Punchestown, but we'll see. He's a great old trier." (MG & EM)