The fences proved a major talking point at Fairyhouse on Saturday as just four of the 13 runners completed in the featured Duggan Brothers Porterstown Handicap Chase. Howaya Pet came off best of the quartet and, in the process, completed a double on the afternoon for jockey Joey Elliott.
A deputation of jockeys and trainers met the stewards to air their concerns at the way the fences were presented, although Elliott had few worries as his mount jumped to the front five out and galloped on strongly to beat Mullacash by 11 lengths. Trainer Gerry Keane has a three miles handicap at Navan in two weeks time in mind, while the Leopardstown Chase is another possible aim.
Elliott was earlier on the mark in the opening betfair.com Juvenile 3YO Hurdle where Stromstad scored in good style for the in-form Steve Mahon yard. The Halling gelding was prominent throughout, leading after three out and left clear by the last flight fall of Kentucky Charm to beat Don't Be Bitin by four lengths.
'I'd love to put a pair of blinkers on him as Joey said he's not doing a stroke. But that's only his second race and he's just a baby. He'll go for the Dennys (now called the Durkan New Homes) at Leopardstown,' said Mahon.
The Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown is next on the agenda for Native Stag, who led two out and held the late surge of fellow 4/1 joint favourite Hard Shoulder by a diminishing length in the Ladbroke Racing Handicap Hurdle. 'He'll have a little break now and we'll then go for the Pierse Hurdle,' said trainer Pat Fahy.
The Shelbourne Development Hurdle turned into a sprint from the home turn, with Davy Condon kicking on from the front aboard Mossy Green and a fast jump at the last sealed a three lengths victory over Augherskea. 'He'll continue to mix it between hurdles and fences, and is well entered up at Christmas with the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase (2m1f) at Leopardstown a likely target. We couldn't find any explanation for his poor run at Clonmel last time,' said trainer Willie Mullins.
Anyportinastorm showed the benefit of a number of outings over hurdles by taking the two miles maiden hurdle in fine style, with Robert Power's mount quickened clear before the last to beat Cash And Carry by six lengths. Cheltenham Bumper fifth Mr Mcauley blundered badly three out on his jumping debut and could find no extra in the straight finishing fifth.
'He'd been running very freely but settled great today, and I'd say the better the ground the better he'll be. The owners would like to go to Cheltenham but we'll have to see if he's good enough,' said trainer Tom Mullins.
The fences also took their toll in the beginners chase, with eight of the 18 runners crashing out, and dual point-to-point winner Late In The Day caused a shock (25/1 but paid over 82/1 on the Tote) under Garrett Cotter.
Alan Magee
