Rebel Fitz off the mark over fences

Last year’s Galway Hurdle winner, Rebel Fitz, opened his account over fences, at the second attempt, when coasting to victory in the Irish Stallion Farms Beginners Chase in Ballinrobe last night.

But rider Barry Geraghty gave punters a fright when easing the 8/13 favourite, clear and in command before the second last, on the run-in and he had only a half-length to spare over Leash Oscar with Letter Of Credit three quarters of a length away third.

Rebel Fitz jumped superbly, as he had done on his fencing bow in Killarney, and, having tracked the leaders, made his move after the third last, quickly sweeping into a clear lead.