Adamant Approach, so often the bookies pal over the smaller obstacles in the past, finally got his act together and justified favouritism in the process when he landed the Rossmore Maiden Hurdle at a blustery Fairyhouse yesterday afternoon.
Willie Mullins seven-year-old, who became one of the leading fancies for last years Cheltenham bumper after slamming Risk Accessor on his debut at Leopardstown, was always prominent under a confident David Casey and cruised to the front on the run to the penultimate flight to score from market rival Columba.
'He disappointed us last year but I was happy with him today and the good ground was a help. We'll find a nice novice race for him next,' said Willie Mullins.
Coolcullen trainer Jim Bolger captured the training honours on the level with a brace via Set The Style in the nursery before Phariseek, a costly failure on her debut at Tralee in August, came good in the seven furlong maiden.
For Set The Style's winning rider Sean Cleary there was a sting in the tail when he was banned for 4 days for careless riding after the stewards investigated an incident which took place over four furlongs from home.
Noel Meade's Missing You Too and Paul Carberry reversed recent course and distance placings with Galtip Flyer after he shrugged off the challenge of Crusset on the run to the final flight in the opening Birch 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle.
'She jumped well today which made the difference. I had her in a claimer for #5,000 next week but I'll take her out now!,'said Meade afterwards.
Alan Lane, who teamed up with the Michael Halford-trained Woods to finish tenth here, was penalised for insufficient effort and banned for seven days. The Curragh trainer had his explanation noted.
