Beaten Papillon still on National trail
Papillon remains on course to bid for back-to-back Martell Grand Nationals despite being beaten by the veteran Klairon Davis.
Papillon was odds-on in a three-runner affair over an inadequate trip at Fairyhouse.
An enterprising ride by Conor O'Dwyer saw Klairon Davis (11-2) hold the sustained challenge of Papillon from the second last by a length in the Normans Grove Chase.
It was Klairon Davis' 20th career success for trainer Arthur Moore and owner Chris Jones.
"Papillon could have another run in a couple of weeks, possibly at Naas or in England if I feel he needs it before Aintree," said trainer Ted Walsh after his son Ruby was beaten by a length aboard the 4-5 shot.
Arthur Moore was thrilled with the return to winning ways of Klairon Davis, but he is not contemplating any fancy plans for the 12-year-old.
"Klairon Davis will probably run in a similar race at Naas next month. He won today's race two years ago, but then developed heart problems before the Cheltenham Festival that season.
"He has still got a bit of life in him yet," said the trainer.
Champion jockey Barry Geragthy gave up his remaining rides after a fall three out from Noel Meade's Good Vintage (11-4) in the Irish National Hunt Novice Hurdle Series won by Trevino.
And Ruby Walsh had no better luck on another of Meade's favourites Nomadic (4-6), who came down at the last in the Beginners Chase. He was already well beaten by the trail-blazing 20-1 chance Wyn Wan Soon in the hands of the in-form John Cullen.
Dermot Weld produced a well-touted, promising newcomer Direct Bearing to land the Clonee Flat Race although it was only by a short head that Michael Smurfit's 11-10 favourite denied the long-time leader Prince Of Tara.
"Inexperience and the slow pace almost beat our horse. He is crying out for good ground and is a possible for the Cheltenham bumper," said Weld, who confirmed the sponsor's Stage Affair a likely runner in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle.
