Fairlander scores for Rothwell and Elvin Fairlander was soundly beaten last time at the Punchestown Festival but justified good support in the calmer waters of the Congratulations Nicole Lockhead Anderson INHSC Ladies Handicap Hurdle. The Philip Rothwell-trained gelding was backed at all rates from 15/2 overnight and went off the 7/2 favourite in this 16-runner 2m3f event. Phidelma Elvin sent the five-year-old to the front before two out and having been ridden to assert early in the straight, kept on well on the run-in to beat Hidalgo Des Mottes by three and three-quarter lengths. Lakewood Rose was a further length and three-quarters back in third with Cut The Rope not helped by a mistake at the last completing the places in fourth. Rothwell said, “I thought he'd run a nice race at the festival here and he just disappointed. So did my other horse in the same race and both of them now have won since. I think they were babies in a big field on the day, so we decided to switch things around and ride them more positive today. “He travelled very well and Phidelma gave him a very good ride. He jumped really, really well with her and it's nice that he won for the lads, so he gets a little holiday now. "I'd like to thank David L'Estrange, who is a part-owner in the horse. The support that he has given me in the last 18 months is incredible and it's given us a huge amount of confidence. I cannot thank David and his family enough." Quotes by John O'Riordan
