Fashion aims for quick follow-up

Trainer Patrick Rooney waited over 10 years for a winner but is hoping that his next one can come just a few days later as he saddles Witness Of Fashion at Down Royal on Wednesday.

The Witness Box gelding ended a long barren run for Rooney at Fairyhouse and bids to defy a 4lb penalty in the St. Patrick's Punter Pack Handicap Chase.

The Oldtown handler has been searching for an opportunity over this three-miles trip for the former point-to-pointer, who was pulling away at the end of the two mile and five furlongs when victorious on Saturday.

"I was delighted to get a winner as it was a long time coming - it was worth the wait," said Rooney.

"You wouldn't know he was in Fairyhouse. He has eaten up since. We put a saddle on him this morning and he's in great form. The race looks a bit more competitive but we'll give it a go. We've been looking for a three-miler as there are so few around for his class, so it's great to get one.

"He won his point-to-point and we have no fears of him staying three miles. He's also a soft ground specialist. If he's in the same form as at Fairyhouse, he'd have to go very, very close again. It would be nice to get two in a row. It would be something special for us as we only have a couple of horses."

Hold Em Cowboy was well held in third at Fairyhouse on Saturday when sent off favourite to follow up on his success at the course last month. Gordon Elliott feels he will also appreciate the step up in trip and is hopeful of another big showing from his charge.

"He seems to have come out of the race well and we're hoping he'll pick up some prize-money. The step up in trip will suit him," said Elliott.

Blissful Moment produced a better effort over fences at Thurles last time when chasing home easy winner Carrigeen Kariega. He looks to be on a low mark compared to his hurdles rating, but trainer Noel Meade feels that's justified on what he has shown to date over fences.

"He's found it very hard to get the hang of it. He was staying on the last day but got himself out of it early on. He'll pick up a race at some stage but I don't know when. He is on a low enough mark over fences but has got himself down there and you couldn't say he's well handicapped on what he has shown" said Meade.