Morning glory as Assembly jumps to it

Morning Assembly, winner of a Grade 1 novice hurdle at the Punchestown Festival last April, returned to the County Kildare track to make a successful chasing debut yesterday, justifying 2/1 favouritism in the Ballymore Christmas Fair & Family Fun November Festival Beginners Chase.

The Pat Fahy-trained six-year-old was ridden prominently by Ruby Walsh, jumped fluently and, when pressed over the last two fences, found plenty to beat chief market rival Si C’Etait Vrai convincingly by three and three-quarter lengths, with Clonbanon Lad third.

Morning Assembly’s win delighted trainer Fahy, who admitted: “As far as I was concerned, there was no pressure beforehand. You get nowhere forcing young horses so early in the season. It’s a long time until next April.