Special Cadeau makes his mark on chasing debut Henry de Bromhead's Special Cadeau created a good impression on his first crack at fences in the beginners' chase on Thurles' card. He was easy to back out to 66/1, but made eye-catching headway three out and disputed second with Mirazur West after the next as the pair chased Westport Cove. As the main protagonists entered the home straight, Westport Cove stuck to the inner and Mirazur West made a beeline for the stands' side rail with Special Cadeau in the middle of the track between the pair. Darragh O'Keeffe drove Special Cadeau into a narrow lead jumping the last, however, it was far from the seven-year-old gelding's best leap which opened the door for Westport Cove. The leader didn't lose momentum, though, and he was strong in the closing stages as he went on by two and a-half lengths. Runner-up Westport Cove was an 8/1 chance with What's Up Darling a further length and a-half back in third at 11/2, as Mirazur West dropped to fourth. Tullyhill, the 4/7 favourite, lost his place after four out and was pulled up before the last. O'Keeffe said: "He had probably been disappointing up until now albeit he ran well in a Fairyhouse maiden hurdle. "He is a big horse, so we were hoping fences would improve him and it did. "He jumped brilliantly bar the last and got the job done. "Henry's horses typically improve over fences too and I'm delighted for the O'Connors (owners)." Special Cadeau landed a Huntingdon bumper for Pam Sly and was runner-up in a Naas maiden hurdle for Willie Mullins. This was his fourth start for Henry de Bromhead with a runner-up berth banked in a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse in November. Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
