Fairyhouse Festival Enters Home Stretch At A Canter

 

Following yesterday’s shock Irish Grand National victory for 33/1 shot Lion Na Bearnai, Fairyhouse is still buzzing going into the final day of action of this year’s festival.

 

If today’s feature event, the Grade A Dan Moore Memorial Handicap Steeplechase, can live up to the excitement of the National – which saw Tom Gibney’s charge, under Andrew Thornton, hold off Out Now to win by four and a half lengths – punters are set for another thrilling Easter experience in Meath.

 

“I only have the five horses and this is unbelievable, just brilliant,” Gibney said following the win.  ”The last day was the real shock and we were confident coming here but we were afraid to say it.”

 

“Andrew is a brilliant rider — much under-rated and he gave him a copybook ride, the whole thing was copybook. He is only a pony and anyone could ride him at home.”

 

Thornton added: “That’s absolutely unbelievable and full credit to the horse. He is tough and he jumped like a stag. He is very gutsy and never put a foot wrong.I was squeezed for room at the fence in front of the stands but otherwise everything went great through the race.”

 

Alfie Sherrin, winner of the JLT Specialty Handicap Chase at Cheltenham last month took third ahead of Paddy Pub in fourth.

 

Today’s first race – The Weatherbys Ireland GSB Hurdle – goes to post at 4 pm.

 

There were surprises too in the lead up to the festival as a flashmob, organised to promote this year’s event, caught Stephen’s Green Centre shoppers off guard:

Tags: Andrew Thornton, Fairyhouse, flashmob, horseracing, Irish Grand National