GORDON Elliott and Jack Kennedy continued in flying form at Fairyhouse last Saturday, when posting a treble on the card. The pair made a quick start to proceedings, claiming both chases at the meeting with Gigginstown-owned geldings.

Jacob’s Ladder made it third time lucky over fences in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase. Kennedy was always prominent on the 10/3 shot and he led after the second last to record a convincing four-and-a-quarter-length success over Karoline Banbou.

“That was good, I’d say the softer ground was in his favour,” said Elliott. “It was a good performance, he jumped well and galloped.”

When asked if the drop in trip helped he added: “I wasn’t sure it would but it looked like it might have. I’d say the cheekpieces just sharpened him up.”

Impressive

Just over half-an-hour later The Enabler was an impressive winner of the Racing TV Rated Novice Chase. The 6/4 favourite was to the fore throughout and kicked on over the second last to post a comprehensive 15-length success.

“That was great. He jumped great but Jack said he was very idle in front, going a bit left and right. He was a bit leery in front,” said Elliott.

“He’s a nice horse, we knew he had improved from the first day so we’re happy. You’ll probably see him going handicap chasing now rather than graded races. We’ll keep it small.”

It was a tighter affair when Bally Free completed the treble in the three-mile maiden hurdle. The 10/3 shot had a protracted duel with Melbourne Shamrock and was just in front at the line to record a hard fought head victory.

“He’s a fine big horse. He’s a big staying chaser for next year, that’s what he was bought to be,” said Elliott. “He showed a good attitude. He definitely improved from his first run. I’d say you couldn’t get a race far enough for him. He’s a big honest galloping horse.”

NOEL Meade was another trainer that had a good day at the office, recording a quick double. Ben Hur went to post 7/4 favourite in the William Bourke Memorial 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle and ran out a stylish winner.

Donagh Meyler led approaching the last on Philip Polly’s gelding and he went on to score by two lengths from Wackestown.

“He’s a very nice horse. He’s big, strong, stays well and has a bit of speed,” said Meade. “I was a bit worried about the ground, I’d say goodish ground will suit him.

“We might go to Christmas, we’re hoping that he might end up in the ‘Fred Winter’ or something over there. Philip bought him since he ran the last day and I’m delighted for him. He is a nice horse and I hope he’s lucky for him.”

Fierce Handay was a short price to score for J.P. McManus in the following novice handicap hurdle over the same two-mile trip and did the business with the minimum of fuss.

Mark Walsh was on board the 11/10 favourite and led before the last for a cosy three-and-three-quarter-length win over Kentucky Beach.

“That’s great. He’s been coming along all the time and he’s just getting a bit better all the time,” said Meade. “He ran a good enough race the last day but he was very free, he seems to have settled a bit better at home. The good gallop was a big help there.”

COWPER Hall made the breakthrough for Gavin Cromwell with an easy success in the first division of the William Hill Challenge Series Handicap Hurdle. Eoin Staples gave the 13/8 favourite a confident ride as Darren Cahill’s gelding led before the last for a 13-length success.

The Affinisea gelding had hit the woodwork on four previous outings and Cromwell’s race planner Troy Cullen said: “He had been knocking on the door. He’s a grand horse and hopefully he’ll keep on improving after that.

“He’s got there a few times before and just hasn’t found as much as we hoped that he would. Eoin was very good on him today and the step up in trip probably helped him a bit. Hopefully the handicapper won’t be too hard on him and he might get another one.”

Tactical

In the second division of the two-and-a-half-mile contest a change of tactics on Run For Cover reaped rewards. The Martin Brassil-trained mare made all under Ricky Doyle and had plenty in hand late on to record an easy five-and-a-half-length win over Sean Mc.

“We said we’d give up fighting with her because she’s just very free in her races and we always had the hood on her,” said Brassil, who trains the winner for Elaine Murray.

“If she was allowed to go in front like that there was a chance she would stay going because she wasn’t getting home fighting her and she was kind of resenting it. She was lovely and sweet and she jumps really quick and well.”

Carey dreaming big

Sonny Carey is eyeing the Dublin Racing Festival with Brosna Shine after she ran out an impressive winner of the concluding fillies’ bumper.

Pa King’s mount led on the bridle turning for home and kicked clear passing the two pole to record a cosy three-length success.

Carey said of the 7/2 winner: “I think she’s very good and I’m very lucky to have her. Tony Kilduff sent us off to buy a nice filly. Touch wood, if everything is okay, we might go to the DRF with her for the Grade 2 mares’ bumper. That’s logically where to go.

“Her dam is blacktype in bumpers, over hurdles and fences. She’s massive as well so she’ll do any job, hopefully. It’s great to have one like her.”