Project Bluebook (nearside) and Barry Geraghty© Photo Healy Racing
Project Bluebook the first horse John Quinn has trained for J P McManus, became the first English trained winner of the Fairyhouse Easter Festival meeting when landing a thrilling renewal of the Avoca Dunboyne Juvenile Hurdle.
The Sinndar gelding made the frame when fourth in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham last month, and justified odds of 9/2 in this Grade 2 event.
Barry Geraghty ’s mount didn’t enjoy the clearest of passages after two out as the front-running Dandy Mag was strongly pressed by 13/8 favourite Ex Patriot
However he negotiated a path between the pair on the run-in to lead close home, and was confirmed the winner after a stewards enquiry.
Dandy Mag was beaten half a length in second, with Ex Patriot another length back in third.
Malton based Quinn was represented by his son Sean who said, “He didn’t jump as well as he can but his toughness allied to a very brave ride saw him come out on top.
“He’d a busy time on the flat and then went hurdling off the back of a small break so he may get a break now.
“He’s only rated 80 on the flat so we’ll have to discuss plans. He might be well handicapped but the owner is primarily a jumping man so we’ll have to see what he wants to do.
“Dad asked me after Cheltenham where we might go and this race down the years hasn’t been as strong as the Grade 1 in Punchestown. He’d have won the last two runnings of this race on his rating but it was probably a better race this year with the favourite finishing fourth in the Triumph.
“He was also in the handicap tomorrow but Mr McManus made the call to come here and not surprisingly he got it right. This is the first horse we have for him.”
