Weld delighted as Waaheb sparkles

Trainer Dermot Weld described the performance as “very satisfactory” after Waaheb, off the track since the 2011 Punchestown Festival, justified 8/13 favouritism in the Premier Jump Weekend Hurdle at Fairyhouse yesterday.

The JP McManus-owned five-year-old, winner of three bumpers early last year and making his hurdling debut, quickened impressively from the final flight under Mark Walsh to beat Silver Friend emphatically by six and a half lengths.

Weld commented: “He has a lot to learn He was a bit novicy and sketchy over the first few hurdles but improved as the race progressed. He won today in testing ground, but he wants nice ground. And next spring is his target.”