Acapella Bourgeois ran out a tremendously game winner of the Agnelli Motor Park Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

The Sandra Hughes-trained six-year-old had to concede weight to each of his 11 rivals following a Grade Two triumph at Thurles last month and was sent off at 5-1 in the hands of Jonathan Burke.

Having made most of the running on his latest appearance, it was no surprise to see Acapella Bourgeois ridden positively once more and he remained in the lead rounding the home turn.

Thurles runner-up Nambour loomed up as a big danger as he looked to gain some revenge and drew alongside after jumping the final flight.

The two fought all the way to the line and Burke's mount would not be denied, prevailing by a head.
Our Duke was a couple of lengths further back in third.

Hughes said: "He does it the hard way having to make the running but he's got a huge stride. If you impede him in any way he can't use it but he was able to use it today. Johnny just gave him a breather and kicked when he needed to and just kept going.

"He's as honest as the day is long and he's tough. He jumped fantastic today. The track at Thurles didn't suit him as it's a bit tight but the track out there today is perfect for him.

"We'll see how he comes out of the race. He's improved with each run, and he's one worth minding.
"If he's well he'll go to Punchestown. It will be either there or the field."

Three Wise Men defied a lengthy absence to make a successful debut under Rules in the Cusack Hotels Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

It is over two years since the Henry de Bromhead-trained six-year-old finished third in a Tyrella point-to-point and he was a 20-1 shot for his long-awaited return.

Yaha Fizz quickly opened up a big lead and looked to have his rivals on the stretch rounding the home turn, but he was eventually reeled in, with Crown Of Gold and Three Wise Men moving to the front.

The pair jumped the last almost as one, but it was Three Wise Men who came home the stronger in the hands of Noel Fehily to score by three and three-quarter lengths.

Art Of Synergy finished with a wet sail to fill the runner-up spot, while Tayto Park just beating Crown Of Gold to third.

De Bromhead said: "That's our first runner for the Mee family (owners) and he looks a nice horse. I thought that he might need the run and Noel said he's still a bit green. He jumps hurdles like a fence. Hopefully he'll be a nice chaser in time."

Dollar And A Dream got back on the winning trail in the Gleesons Butchers Novice Handicap Hurdle.

A winner at the Galway Festival last summer, Tony Martin's charge has since run with credit in decent races at Listowel, Cheltenham and Leopardstown.

Sent off a 4-1 for his latest assignment, the seven-year-old was always travelling strongly in the hands of Paul Townend and moved sweetly towards the front in the home straight.

The Brock Inn emerged as a serious threat on the run to the final flight, but Dollar And A Dream jumped it in front and found enough on the run-in to hold him at bay by three-quarters of a length.

Pakman and Ardview Boy filled out the places.

"All went to plan and fortune was on our side today. Sometimes it goes the other way," said Martin. "He is what he is - a 109-rated handicapper. We'll see how he comes out of this. He could go to Punchestown."

Townend completed a double aboard Solita in the BoyleSports Novice Handicap Chase.

Paul Nolan's mare was 13-2 to follow up last month's victory over hurdles at Leopardstown and moved stylishly into contention at the top of the home straight.

Townend remained motionless as Solita began to forge clear between the final two fences and she safely negotiated the last to seal a four-and-a-half-length success.

Westerner Point stuck on well to finish second, ahead of Just Get Cracking in third.

"She got a bit of a fright when falling here and lost her way over fences. We switched her to hurdles to get her confidence back and she won at Leopardstown," said Nolan. We schooled her the other day and she was good.

"We decided to make use of her novice status and she travels so well that there could be another few in her."
Jessica Harrington and her daughter Kate combined to take the Tattersalls Ireland George Mernagh Memorial Sales Bumper with Forge Meadow (10-1).