Fairyhouse result: Storm Heart powers home on chase debut to beat Ballyfad in Gigginstown one-two

Storm Heart made a winning start over fences in the beginners’ chase at Fairyhouse on Tuesday, overhauling favourite Ballyfad to give Gigginstown House Stud a one-two in the 2pm.

Willie Mullins‘ six-year-old was a Grade 3 winner over hurdles and finished third in the BetMGM Cup in March. While his jumping was not always slick, the way he finished his race over two-and-a-half miles suggests there is plenty more to come.

Storm Heart finds a gap on the inside

This was a competitive affair, with seven still holding a chance as the field turned for home, and for a moment it looked as though Storm Heart might be one of those to drop away. Paul Townend kept the faith though, and found a strong burst on the inside to bring him back into contention.

Once he got a clear run, Storm Heart quickened clear after the last and won cosily by three-and-a-half lengths. He was slow at some of his fences on this chasing debut, but that is to be expected first time up, and the speed he showed at the finish was hugely encouraging.

Ballyfad runs well but cannot quite get home

Gordon Elliott’s Ballyfad, carrying the same Gigginstown silks under Jack Kennedy, jumped well throughout, but he did not see out the two-and-a-half miles as strongly as the winner. He still finished second, half a length ahead of another Mullins runner, Largy Hill, in third.

Ballyfad’s stablemate Kainsbourg travelled strongly into contention in the JP McManus colours before fading into fourth, three-quarters of a length further back. Glen Kiln, Kel Histoire and Franciscan Rock all still had chances into the straight as well before finishing fifth, sixth and seventh respectively.

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