Garnacho lands gamble on debut for Fahey While showing definite ability when in the care of Dermot McLoughlin, the well-backed Garnacho made the breakthrough on his debut for Mark Fahey in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle. Available at 6/1 in early shows for this extended two-and-a-half mile contest, the Affinsea six-year-old was eventually returned the clear 6/4 favourite in the colours of Pegasus Racing Ltd. Last seen finishing third to The Yellow Clay at Down Royal in November, the market leader raced off an initial rating of 99 this evening. Settled behind the leaders and fifth with a circuit to go, he made good headway from five out and eased to the front well before the penultimate obstacle. Soon stretching clear, he ultimately came home 12-lengths to the good, providing his rider Tom O'Connor with just his second career success. The Davy Fitzgerald-trained Jaadil (28/1) was best of the rest in second, while Stone Forest (28/1) and Dee's Getaway (12/1) were third and fourth respectively. There was a nasty incident at the second last flight, with Tea It Is crashing out and bringing down both Godblessyourosie and O'Bon Pardon in the process. "There's no getting away, he did it very well. He was doing everything right at home, but he had good winter form in the book coming into today," Fahey remarked. "He wasn't too far off The Yellow Clay too. "We are delighted the way he's done that and Tom gave him a great ride. "Chasing will be his game. As long as we can keep him in one piece, the boys will have a good bit of fun. "The boys that own him are over in Spain at the minute. They are all watching and they will definitely have a few beers because it is Derek's 50th birthday. I'm delighted for the lads, they are new into my yard and that's the second horse they have with me and the second winner." Bred by Ken Parkhill, the winner is out of Tasitiocht, who won four-times for Willie Mullins. STEWARDS REPORTS * A. Harvey, rider of Klassman, trained by Shane Nolan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was hampered at the start as Illucidate was slow to jump off. * P. Hanlon, rider of O' Bon Pardon (FR), trained by Paul Nolan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was hampered by the faller at the second last hurdle. * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Klassman, trained by Shane Nolan, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Additional reporting by Michael Graham
