Fine return for Beef

Beef Or Salmon was an encouraging second on his seasonal debut in the Ratoath College Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

The eight-times Grade One winner over fences showed his well-being by staying on strongly over the last two flights to finish a clear runner-up behind easy winner Pedrobob.

Sensible Lass held a commanding lead until the pack closed in on the turn for home where Pedrobob soon went on and the 4-1 shot, trained by Anthony Mullins, won by five lengths in the hands of Davy Russell.

Beef Or Salmon, backed down from 5-1 into 5-2 just before the off, pulled clear of the others without Andrew McNamara being too hard on Michael Hourigan's stable star.

"That was a super run and I am very pleased. It was a good workout for him," said Hourigan.

"The plan at the moment is to go to Down Royal for the James Nicholson Chase, if not the other option would be the Betfair Chase (at Haydock on November 18).

"I haven't made concrete plans at the moment, but it's possible that Church Island could go to Haydock."

Paul Carberry has been Beef Or Salmon's regular partner in recent times, but McNamara is set to keep the ride.

Hourigan added: "Andrew is our first jockey now and the owners are happy for him to ride."

McNamara said: "The trip was much too short and he was only getting going in the straight."

Elsewhere on the card, the Tom Taaffe-trained Glenfinn Captain received a 16-1 quote for the Arkle with Paddy Power and is 14-1 form 20s with totesport after making a successful debut over fences in the Cavan GAA Supporters Club Dublin Branch Beginners Chase.

The Barry Geraghty-trained ridden seven-year-old, a decent hurdler, won with plenty in hand from Khetaam.