Robbie Colgan on the mark at Fairyhouse today.

Colgan on the mark for Cawley at Fairyhouse

Published: Sat 19 Dec 2015, 5:00 PM

Last updated: Sat 19 Dec 2015, 5:02 PM

Although Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh dominated the early races at Fairyhouse today, there was some local success also with Batterstown-based handler Edward Cawley enjoying a visit to the winners' enclosure at his local track with Robbie Colgan on board Flemenstorm.

Gordon Elliott and Nina carberry also made the frame with Colgan seen to good effect for Cawley when he steered Flemenstorm to victory in a handicap hurdle to win for the first time after some nine attempts.

The local flavour to the success was completed by the fact that the owner is Bernadette Colleary from Rathcore near Enfield and she also bred Flemenstorm and is a cousin of the trainer.

The winner had half-a-length to spare at the post from Golan Lodge and Railway Tommy after that duo looked like they would battle out the finish until Flemenstorm arrived on the scene approaching the last.

Robbie Colgan switched to the inside on the run-in and kept on well to lead in the closing stages.

Nina Carberry won the bumper with the Charles Byrnes-trained Commeragh Trix which, apparently, was a €3,000 purchase for the owner and will now be aimed at hurdles.
There was a treble for Gigginstown House Stud and Bryan Cooper after the win of Victory Mill (13/2) in the maiden hurdle for Gordon Elliott after the Willie Mullins-trained Au Quart De Tour fell at the last.

The Tote returns for the day was a healthy €158,218.00 (eight races), last Year €107,888.00 (seven races).

The next action at Fairyhouse will be on Friday 1st January - the traditional New Year's Day meeting that is always eagerly anticipated.

ASCOT
The big race at Ascot today was a hugely exciting affair with a dead heat called after about four minutes deliberation as Sternrubbin and Jolly's Cracked It crossed the line together after a cracking Ladbroke (Grade 3 Handicap Hurdle) of £150,000.
Gordon Elliott and Noel Meade were both represented in the race, but they didn't feature in the exciting finish. (See video clip from Channel 4 Television of the finish).