Fayonagh set fair for Festival after hurdle win

FAYONAGH made a winning start over obstacles with an authoritative performance in the Jumps Racing Returns To Fairyhouse Maiden Hurdle.

Last season’s Champion Bumper heroine was a red-hot 2-13 favourite to extend her winning sequence to five at the Co Meath track and Gordon Elliott’s inmate put in a lovely round of jumping on her hurdling bow.

Davy Russell sent his mount straight to the front and the six-year-old only had to be pushed out to easily see off the challenge of Rock Road by two and a half lengths.

Elliott said: ‘It’s job done. Davy (right) was delighted that her jumping was so good and she was professional about it.

‘I don’t think she could have done any more than what she did.

‘She’s having a good blow and we know she is going to come on.

‘What I loved was that down over the last two she was brilliant. I couldn’t be happier and Down Royal is the plan now, all being well.’

RaceBets quoted Fayonagh at 7-2 from 5-1 for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March − and 5/2 to win any race at Cheltenham − and Elliott said: ‘I’m a big believer in winning what you can win, so at the moment the mares’ race is the plan with her.

‘You never know what’s going to happen, but for me that’s what I’d like to do.’