Mouse Morris has plenty to look forward to this season in the Novice Chase brigade, with Foxchapel King adding to the recent success of His Song when getting his career over fences off to a winning start at Thurles yesterday in the EBF chase.
Conor O'Dwyer's mount raced on the heels of the leaders for most of the two-mile and six-furlong trip but had to survive a bad mistake at the last before eventually beating market rival Johnny Brushaside by a comfortable two lengths.
"I am very happy with that performance, although he did jump a bit green", said Morris, who has no immediate plans for Dr Tony O'Reilly's Jolly Jake gelding.
John Murtagh and Mick Kinane were both seen to good effect in a driving finish to the Glen Maiden, with the John Ox-trained Darsannda prevailing by the minimum margin after a Titanic final furlong duel.
Murtagh has long secured his third championship, and was recording his 83rd success here to move 28 ahead of Kinane.
Pat Flynn took the training honours on the day with a mixed double via Le Ciel and Cochis Run.
Le Ciel was far from fluent on her hurdling debout in Division 1 of the Tipperary Maiden Hurdle when beating Perfect Peace by a length, while the Danny Grant-ridden Cochis Run just touched off Princess Gloria in the Babs Babes Welter Race. However, there was a sting in the tale for Grant who picked up a one-day suspension (October 17th) for using his whip with excessive frequency.
