Jungle Junction and Robbie Power© Photo Healy Racing
Jessica Harrington and Robbie Power combined for a quick 120/1 double at Fairyhouse as Jungle Junction landed the BoyleSports Novice Handicap Chase.
The 10/1 chance, the same price as Grade 2 winner Ashdale Bob just 35 minutes earlier, asserted after two out and kept on well under pressure on the run-in to beat Brawler by a length and three quarters. Epson Du Houx was a further two and a quarter lengths back in third.
Harrington’s daughter and assistant trainer Kate said, “I was slagging Robert when he came in there as he said he wanted to go to Cork to ride Port Stanley and Ya Ya Baby
“I’m delighted for that horse. He’s been knocking on the door and earlier in the season he was very keen but the last day he relaxed.
“He fairly tanked down to the first and was lucky to stand up as he launched at it.
“Hopefully it’s onwards and upwards now and he’ll probably go on to Punchestown with a bit of good ground.”
Power said, "We went a right good gallop and that’s what this horse has been crying out for — better ground. He actually rides like a slow horse on slow ground but on that better ground today he has a bit of pace.
“It stood this lad in good stead (the jumping test at Fairyhouse). He got a good jump three out and again at the second last. I had to let him pop the last but he was good at it for a horse with as little experience as he has.
“I would (have ridden Exit Poll if given the choice). That was probably lucky for me because every decision I’ve made this winter has been the wrong one. It suits me better when the choice is taken out of my hands.
“Cheltenham was disappointing. I was always taught if a meeting doesn’t work out for you, you look forward to the next one. When I got home from Cheltenham on the Monday I looked at the entries for Fairyhouse and Punchestown. That’s the way you have to be in this game. You can’t dwell on the past.”
(AM & EM)
