Saturday 31 January 2015 20:26, UK
The highlights from Fairyhouse, where Los Amigos returned in triumph from a 328-day absence.
Jim Dreaper plans to target Los Amigos at the Irish Grand National after the eight-year-old made a triumphant return following a 328-day absence at Fairyhouse.
The Andrew Lynch-ridden Los Amigos (7/2) blew away the cobwebs with a battling half-length victory in the #BoylesIGN Rated Chase over the 2012 Irish National hero Lion Na Bearnai, winner of this race 12 months ago.
Dreaper hopes to get another run into Los Amigos ahead of the big one back at Fairyhouse on April 6.
"That's a lovely reintroduction. We had hoped to go for the Irish National last year but he banged a joint the week before. He needed time off after that so he's late reappearing," said the County Dublin trainer.
"He's handicapped to win a big race and the Irish National will be the aim again. We were interested to see where he was at. We'll see how he is in the morning but the leg seems fine.
"There is room for another run in between and he could go to Naas for the Leinster National. He might be one that runs best fresh."
Morning Run improved her 100 per cent record over the smaller obstacles to three when making most of the running in the Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle.
Ruby Walsh took the Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old to the front after Melbourne Lady had been the first to leave the gate.
Morning Run (4/5 favourite) had her rivals on the stretch some way out and there was only stablemate Lyrical Theatre who was able to muster any kind of bid.
However, a mistake at the last ruined any chance she had and Morning Run scampered away to win comfortably.
Carrigmoorna Rock was expected to be Morning Run's main danger in the Grade Three heat, but she never struck a blow and was most disappointing.
Mullins said: "She was coming back from a bit of a setback as she had a cold and missed Christmas. I wondered if this was too soon and I was delighted with the way the two of them ran.
"There was a doubt about running either of them, but there wasn't much else, bar going to England with them, so we said we'd run the two and take the chance.
"This mare (Morning Run) seems to be going from strength to strength. I'd say we'll come back here for the Grade One with the two of them rather than going to Cheltenham. That looks the shrewder plan."
Hostile Fire ran out a deserved winner of the Online Discounts At fairyhouse.ie Maiden Hurdle.
Gordon Elliott's charge was second on his previous two attempts over timber, but the 3/1 chance was always travelling powerfully for Davy Condon, pulling himself into the lead on the home turn.
Favourite Zafayan tried to get on terms approaching the last, but Hostile Fire held his advantage and ran on to score by three lengths.
Elliott said: "He travelled like a nice horse. He'll probably go for the Fred Winter now at Cheltenham, that's the plan. He's had three runs now.
"I'd say that wasn't a great race, but he won. Davy said he was very keen with the wind behind him."
