50/1 shot Festive Day bolts in at Fairyhouse

The Norman Lee-trained Festive Day proved a shock 50/1 winner of the Follow Fairyhouse On Social Media Beginners’ Chase on a mixed day for jockey Andrew Lynch in Fairyhouse yesterday.

After even money-favourite Fine Article unshipped Robbie Power at the second, Dallas Cowboy soon established a clear lead. But Festive Day, under Lynch, closed to track the leader early in the last mile and edged ahead after the second last before stretching clear and staying on strongly to win by 31 lengths from fellow 50/1 shot Boite A Musique with the weary Dallas Cowboy third.

“That wasn’t expected,” quipped Lee. “The race turned into a bit of a farce after the favourite fell. But he jumped great and won well. And Andrew was very happy with him.”