Wild Passion reigns at Fairyhouse

Wild Passion continued Noel Meade and Paul Carberry’s good run by claiming the Grade One Sharp Minds Betfair Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse today.

The duo claimed yesterday’s “Fighting Fifth” hurdle at Newcastle with Harchibald and they picked up where they left off with this useful German-bred recruit, who runs in the same colours as the Champion Hurdle hope.

As usual, Carberry timed his run to perfection, just heading hot favourite Total Enjoyment at the second-last flight after cruising in behind.

Wild Passion, sent off at 6-1, was helped by the terrible mistake of Rocket Ship, who clattered that flight and nearly unseated his rider.

Rocket Ship and Niall Madden recovered well from that error to claim second and complete a one-two for Meade while Royal Paradise held on for third.

Meade said: "Niall said he would have won if it wasn't for the mistake. But Wild Passion is a real good one because he has the speed for two miles and he'll stay two and a half.

“He really gallops and is a special horse. Rocket Ship is a very good horse as well, he has a lot of speed.”

Total Enjoyment, winner of the Champion Bumper at the Festival in March, lost her unbeaten record over hurdles when eventually finishing sixth.