Agusta Gold outlines Irish Grand National claims with gritty Grade 3 win

It has been a plan that has been two seasons in the making, but the prospects of winning an Irish Grand National became a little more realistic for connections of Agusta Gold after she landed the Grade 3 mares chase on her seasonal reappearance at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

The dream was cut short last season due to the coronavirus outbreak but, following a career best on her return here, trainer Mags Mullins has reason to believe that 2021 can be Agusta Gold's year.

The eight-year-old was ridden to victory by trainer's son Danny, who said: "It was a good performance. We thought that she might need the run on her first start back in a competitive race like that. She was very solid and tough last year.

"This kind of track and big fences seems to suit her so hopefully we'll have a crack at some of those good staying chases through the spring."

Mullins added: "She's a mare going the right way. The Irish National was the plan last year but it got cut short. Hopefully that could be the plan again."

Whatdeawant stakes festival claims

There was a feeling around Fairyhouse that the best dish would be served last and, while the bumper did not go as expected, it did not disappoint either, with Willie Mullins' newcomer Whatdeawant getting the better of the short-priced favourite Ginto.

The race did turn into a bit of a sprint, but Whatdeawant looked an above-average recruit under Patrick Mullins, after which quotes of 33-1 for the Champion Bumper were bandied about.

The champion trainer said: "I'm delighted to have a winner again for the Mulryans. He looks smarter on a racetrack than he does at home. That will do me."

Mullins added: "I imagine he will go for a winners' bumper unless we go straight to Cheltenham. Patrick was very happy."

Royal Kahala another classy mare for Fahey

Gypsy Island has yet to return to training but new dreams abound for Peter Fahey and his team with Royal Kahala, the latest high-class mare to emerge from the Monasterevin handler's base, and she looked good in stretching her unbeaten run to three in the mares hurdle.

Royal Kahala benefited from a ballsy Kevin Sexton ride, the jockey always seemingly confident his mount would pick up nicely, and that she did, sparking dreams of bigger and better days.

Fahey said: "To be honest, I was fairly confident in her coming into the race. I know it was a hot race, but the way she won the last two she found loads in the closing stages. She did it again today and she's a very nice filly, we're lucky to have her.

"I'd say the plan will be to come back here for the Solerina Hurdle at the end of the month."

He added: "I liked how much she picked up from the back of the last. She stays well and Kevin said she was strong at the line. A fast-run race will suit her even better."

It proved to be a terrific afternoon for the Fahey family as Paul Fahey, older brother of Peter, also sent out Ballyshannon Rose to record her third win on the trot in the staying handicap hurdle.

Afterwards he said: "She had a battle on her hands but she got the best of it. She'll come back here in a couple of weeks' time for a 0-116. We'll aim for that."

Fahey added: "She's thriving this year and she settled today in her race which was grand and helped her get home."

A Love-ly send-off for Dot

Dot Love looks adoringly at her winner Flindt after he sent her out on a high in landing the race named in honour of the trainer's retirementCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

What better way to mark your retirement than to win the race dedicated to just that.

Back at the scene of her greatest triumph with Liberty Counsel in the 2013 Irish Grand National, Dot Love sent out Flindt to win the Happy Retirement Dot Love Ladies Handicap Hurdle before handing over the licence to long-time assistant Ciaran Murphy.

Flindt was ridden by Sarah Kavanagh and capped a memorable weekend for all the team at Charlestown Stud, who had sent out 25-1 winner Betty Zane at Cork on Saturday.

Love said: "I thought yesterday was the highlight, winning at Cork, but the horses have come through for me. I never ever thought he [Flindt] would win. It's a fairytale."

She added: "Especially for it to be here – Peter Roe [Fairyhouse manager] was very good to me and of course we had the Grand National winner here. It's a lovely way to finish, isn't it? The horse came through for me and he jumped like a buck."

Results, replays and analysis

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