Monbeg Worldwide and Davy Russell© Photo Healy Racing
Second in the race last year, point-to-point and three time bumper scorer Monbeg Worldwide got it right at the fourth attempt over flights in the Meath Racing Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
From the front the 6/5 favourite got the fourth last wrong under Davy Russell, but he was good aside, putting his stamp on things from two out to beat Getaway Kid (8s into 11/2) and Monition by three lengths and a neck.
Like Monbeg Worldwide and Monition, Denwork (10/3 into 11/4) is owned by Gigginstown House Stud, and he ended up four lengths back in fourth.
"It looked a nice opportunity for him. He had been disappointing to be fair but that's grand that he got his head in front," said winning trainer Gordon Elliott.
"Davy actually said he liked that ground. He won his bumper a couple of years ago in Roscommon on bad ground. For a big horse he actually moved very well on that today.
"We'll try and find a little winners race for him and see what happens."
On the error four out the Cullenta House Stables operator remarked: "Jerry Hannon (commentator) gave me more of a scare than anything! It sounded worse that it really was. He got his head in front and hopefully he can build from it."
C.A. Landers, rider of Rock Road trained by Michael J. Bowe, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount slipped on the first circuit.
R.M. Power, rider of Treacysenniscorthy trained by Paul W. Flynn, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount travelled well off a slow pace and stayed going in the straight.
E.M. Roche, rider of Gone Galavanting trained by Peter Fahey, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that he gave his mount two slaps to go forward to which there was little response, he put his stick down and pushed his mount out to the line.
(GC & EM)
