Dashing Home atones for Triumph mishap
Caishill tried to make all and the winner found it difficult to get an opening in the straight as stable companion, Harchibald, challenged going to the last.
But the gap came in plenty of time and Dashing Home nipped through on the inside on the flat to win by a cosy three and a half lengths in the end.
Said Meade: "He picked up well and is a lovely horse.
“He wants fast ground and was a shade unlucky in the Triumph hurdle at Cheltenham.”
It was certainly an understatement on Meade’s part, because Dashing Home was virtually brought to a standstill in that contest, at the third last.
Meade completed a double when the outsider of his two runners, Michael Mor, got the ID Technology Hurdle in the stewards’ room, after Moore’s Law had passed the post in front.
Moore’s Law led at the last and was quickly hard driven by Ruby Walsh. The rider, however, had his whip in his left hand and Moore’s Law went across in front of Michael Mor.
Barry Geraghty had to snatch up on Michael Mor and then switch him to renew his effort. Michael Mor made up about a length and a half in the closing stages and it was no surprise when the stewards reversed the result.
The contest had ramifications for Walsh, who was found guily of careless riding and suspended for one day. It means he will miss the second day of the Punchestown Festival and the Heineken Gold Cup.
Meade’s Moratorium went off market-leader, but gave himself little chance. He pulled hard in the early stages and then, when asked to go about his business in the closing stages, had nothing left.
The Co Meath handler made it winner no. 3, and the second for Carberry, when Whatatouch made every yard of the running for a clear-cut success in the novice handicap chase.
Edward O’Grady’s Glenhaven Nugget, a big plunge when down the field at Aintree, came back to his best when winning the Menolly Homes Novice Hurdle.
Market leader Mutakarrim led two out, but Norman Williamson conjured a terrific late burst from the winner to get up close home and score by a head.
Reflecting on Aintree, O’Grady said: "They did a good job watering there, but the ground was like treacle. This horse wants it good or loose.
"It is nice that he has come back so well. He has suffered a puncture to one of his legs, but it shouldn’t be any great problem.
"He will probably go to Punchestown now and is a chaser in the making.”
Jim Culloty completed a memorable afternoon when partnering April Allegro to a shock 20-1 win in the Leinster Petroleum Handicap Hurdle.
April Allegro, with little to recommend him and carrying the Dorans Pride colours of Tom Doran, forged ahead before the second last. Albrighton soon threw down a deetermined challenge, but April Allegro had plenty left and was in total control on the run in.
The Culloty brace, Timbera and April Allegro, came to odds of 251-1.
Favourite, Born Flyer, bolted on her way to the start of the Stanley Macadam Beginners Chase, but it didn’t seem to have an great effect on her and she tried to make all.
She was still bowling along merrily in the lead when toppling over at the fourth last.
Barry Geraghty was in the plate and when Born Flyer departed the way was left clear for his brother, Ross, to make the rest on Paddy The Duke.
The attendance at Fairyhouse yesterday was 17,142.
