Storm Heart impresses on chase debut, Peter Fahey lands first treble

Paul Townend said Storm Heart 'has taken to fences really well and has a future over them'

Storm Heart and Paul Townend won the Irish National Hunt Beginners Steeplechase at Fairyhouse. Pic: Healy Racing Photo

The Willie Mullins-trained Storm Heart quickened impressively to outpoint another highly-rated hurdler Ballyfad as the two Gigginstown-owned geldings made their respective chase debuts in the Irish National Hunt CLG Beginners Chase in Fairyhouse.

Ridden by Paul Townend, Storm Heart (9/4) jumped the second last in fifth position, picked up going to the last, produced a fluent leap and, having landed running, powered up the run-in to beat Ballyfad by three and a half lengths in what looked a hot contest.