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Review FAIRYHOUSE 12TH DEC

Curragh trainer Dessie Hughes had a day of mixed fortunes when saddling a double but also seeing stablestar Colonel Braxton brought down early on in the 2 1/4m beginners chase.

Last season' s top staying novice hurdler had no chance of staying on his feet when Jackrafter fell in front of him at the third fence.

Royal Jake took advantage of the fav's exit, although he needed a strong drive from championship leader Paul Carberry to just come out best in a three-way photo finish.

Colonel Braxton (1/2-4/6) was fine after the tumble, and may run in a 2m novice at Punchestown next Wednesday or have an after racing school around that track.

Hughes and rider Kieran Kelly had better fortune later on when Columba took the 2m maiden hurdle in fine style.

The 5yo was always travelling well heading odds-on Canary Wharf between the final two flights to score by 1 1/2L, and will go for a novice at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting.

Hughes was also on the mark in the 2 1/2m handicap hurdle, where topweight I'vehadit drew clear after two out under Paul Wade for a runaway success.

Beechcourt is 5/1 with Cashmans for the Cheltenham Festival bumper after taking the winners bumper in very impressive fashion.

'He has an engine and a great cruising speed, and we will find out how good he is when he runs in a better race at Leopardstown over Christmas', said trainer Michael O'Brien.

Baron De Feypo (Garrett Cotter) overcame some sloppy jumping to justify favouritism in the 3yo maiden hurdle, just holding off Dont You Dare by a shorthead.

'There's a big race in him some day' said trainer Eddie Hales after Give Over led before the last to beat Beausheram by 2 1/2L in the 3m1f beginners chase.

Mine Rock Native foiled a gamble on Sully Shuffles (7/1-5/1) in the 3m handicap hurdle, jumping to the front at the last before holding on by 1/2L.

Alan Magee