Racing:One of the biggest gambles of the Irish National Hunt season was landed when Willie Mullins's Twinlight won the Weatherbys Ireland GSB Hurdle at Fairyhouse but it looked unlikely two from home.
Ruby Walsh was hard at work rounding the home turn in fifth place when the runaway leader, Chaperoned, took a heavy fall. Fearless Falcon then came down at the same flight, who in turned interfered with Devils Bit, who also hit the deck.
Backed from 5-1 in the morning into 5-4 favouritism, Twinlight still made heavy weather of things, but held off the fast-finishing Rocky Wednesday by three lengths.
Mullins said: "We'll head to Punchestown with Twinlight, but I've no immediate race in mind."
The Co Carlow handler soon doubled up when 6-1 chance Lambro, ridden by Emmet Mullins, came up trumps following a protracted duel with Mackeys Forge in the Coolmore NH Sires Ask & Getaway Novice Hurdle. Last Instalment, the 3-1 favourite, was always prominent but grew weary on the run-in
Willie Mullins added: "I really don't know how good Lambro is and we put him in hoping for, but not expecting, a win. He is an improving horse."
The Davy Russell-ridden Jack Cool (5-1 joint-favourite) then showed plenty of grit to repel Action Master in the www.thetote.com Handicap Hurdle.
Trainer Charles Byrnes said: "He is a very straightforward horse and to win here was a real bonus. He'll be heading up to Graded company now but unfortunately isn't entered in any of the novice races at Punchestown next week he'll go chasing at some stage, too.
Idarah sprang a 25-1 surprise in the Dan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase. Despite his huge starting price, Paul Cashman's grey eight-year-old proved a willing ally for Phillip Enright.
Idarah jumped the last in virtual unison alongside Osana, but had a little more left in the tank to score by a length.
3.55
1 Salsify) 10-1
2 Viking Splash 5-4 Fav
3 The Snuffler 14-1
4.25
1 Another Palm 9-1
2 Rocco's Hall 10-1
3 Hidden Crack 12-1
4 Quiamo Malta 18-1
4.55
1 Twinlight 5-4 Fav
2 Rocky Wednesday 6-1
3 Rigidity 10-3
5.30
1 Lambro 6-1
2 Mackeys Forge 20-1
3 Last Instalment 3-1 Fav
6.0
1 Jack Cool 5-1Jt Fav
2 Action Master 16-1
3 Dolphin Bay 12-1
6.35
1 Idarah 25/1
2 Osana 5/1
3 Dev 7/1