Fahey mulls tilt at Irish Grand National
Paul Fahey is considering a tilt at the Irish Grand National with He’llberemembered after he emerged triumphant in a thrilling finish to the Carrickmines Handicap Chase at Leopardstown.
Second behind the classy Mikael D’Haguenet at Thurles in January, the 10-year-old was allowed to go off at 10-1 switched to handicap company for the first time over fences, with regular rider and conditional jockey Shane Butler doing the steering.
As well as training a small string of horses himself, Fahey is the farrier for champion trainer Willie Mullins.
Fahey said: “In fairness I’m not a trainer so imagine what he’d do if a trainer had him!
“He’s been knocking on the door in good handicap hurdles and deserved his chance.
“There are good handicaps this and next weekend and we’ve also been toying with idea of the Irish National – we’ll make an entry and hopefully the handicapper won’t be too harsh on him. If we got the right weight we might take our chance in it.
“I can’t celebrate too much as Willie will be looking for plates to be put on in the morning!”
Aidan O’Brien is set to be represented at this year’s Cheltenham Festival after 8-1 Shield booked his place in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper with victory under Kate Harrington.
The four-year-old is now as short as 14-1 with bet365 for the Champion Bumper and adding further interest to his likely Prestbury Park appearance, his trainer confirmed his son and this year’s champion Flat jockey Joseph O’Brien would take the ride.
O’Brien senior said: “I’m delighted with that. Kate gave him a great ride and he travelled well and quickened well. He was just ready to run the first day and just ran a bit green.
“Joseph and the lads got him ready for Punchestown but were forcing him a little bit to get there as he had to finish in the first four to be qualified to enter for Cheltenham.
“I think Joseph is able to get special permission to ride him in the Cheltenham bumper – he inquired about it during the week.”
Tony Martin and Davy Russell combined to take the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Chase with 5-1 shot Savello.
Martin said: “It was a good performance and he jumped very well.
“He was very difficult and very free, which is why he wears the hood, but he’s got a bit of age on his side and he’s learning.”
Jessica Harrington’s 7-4 joint-favourite Operating opened his account over obstacles with a smooth display in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle.
Harrington said: “Operating has just been crying out for better ground.
“He jumped brilliantly, it was his first time at two and a half miles. We’ll go chasing next year but the idea is to go to Fairyhouse and Punchestown.”
The admirable Fosters Cross (10-1) ran out a wide-margin winner of what looked a competitive Ballsbridge Hurdle, powering up the straight to score by 12 lengths from hot favourite Blackstairmountain.
Winning trainer Tom Mullins said: “We could go for some of the minor events at Fairyhouse and Punchestown, if there are such things! He’ll then get a rest before the Galway Festival – that’s his main target.”
Summer Star (7-2 favourite) came from the clouds to claim a last-gasp victory for Ted and Katie Walsh in the www.leopardstown.com Handicap Hurdle.
Down Under was a 20-1 winner of the Leopardstown Club Members Handicap Chase.
