Canal End and Mark Walsh, left© Photo Healy Racing
Peter Fahey's Canal End (9/4) made virtually all in the opening 2m4f maiden hurdle in Fairyhouse to give jockey Mark Walsh a winner on his return from injury.
Walsh dictated the pace throughout but he and his partner were there to be shot at at the penultimate fence by a challenging Gold Bullion who was returning off a lengthy absence.
Canal End found more to increase his advantage at the last, though, from Gold Bullion and Zaidi and stayed on well to beat a running-on Zaidi by four and a-quarter lengths.
Zaidi was a beaten favourite in second at 6/4 and finished three-lengths clear of Gold Bullion who blundered at the last and could give no more.
This was Canal End's fourth outing and he progressed from a pair of sixth places in Leopardstown and Naas to take third at Down Royal on St Patrick's Day.
Walsh, in the JP McManus silks, said: “He’d a good run over two miles the last day and stepping up to two and a half really suited him. He’s done it well in the end.
“I let him stride on down the back as I didn’t want it to turn into a sprint. He jumped great and travelled great. He winged the last and galloped all the way to the line.
“It’s a good way to come back and a good start to the weekend.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
