Mega Fortune suffers fatal fall at Limerick

There was a sad outcome to the Maurice Power Solicitors Hurdle at Limerick, where Grade One winner and Triumph Hurdle runner-up Mega Fortune suffered a fatal fall at the second-last.

Gordon Elliott's 1-7 favourite was on the way to a straightforward success and his departure left the way clear for Balakani (8-1) to come home well clear of the only other starter, Penneys Hun.

Winning trainer Mouse Morris said: "That's racing, unfortunately, and I had plenty of it (bad luck) myself last year.

"He's going to be a grand fellow to go chasing and we'll have plenty fun with him. He wants a trip, but he's only four and we'll tip away in another winners' race next, although I might not delay too long hurdling."

Mega Fortune landed the Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown in February, before finding only Defi Du Seuil too good at Cheltenham in March.

Robin Des Foret got the better of his odds-on Willie Mullins-trained stablemate Fabulous Saga in the Listed Dunraven Arms Hotel Novice Hurdle.

Ruby Walsh set a searching pace on Fabulous Saga and it was obvious from a long way out only the front three were going to be involved in the finish, with Burren Life splitting the pair down the back straight.

When he came under pressure the two Mullins inmates had it to themselves, but Paul Townend only had to shake the reins at the seven-year-old Robin Des Foret (7-2), who was winning over hurdles for the fifth time.

Townend said: "He normally goes from the front, but we went a good gallop and I was delighted with how he settled.

"He jumped brilliant and I just kept him on the bridle as long as I could. He handled the ground well and that opens up plenty of options for him. He probably surprised me in fairness."

Attribution was a game winner of the PriceWaterhouseCooper Rated Chase for Henry de Bromhead and J.J. Slevin.

For much of the final mile it looked only a matter of time until Walsh picked him off on Mullins' patiently-ridden Childrens List, but Attribution (5-2) won by half a length.

The pair pulled a long way clear of Lieutenant Colonel.

De Bromhead said: "It was a super ride from J.J. and he battled it out really well and was very tough. He was left in front a good bit out and J.J. really suits him and makes him attack his fences.

"I'll speak to Michael and Eddie (O'Leary) and see what they want to do, but stepping up to three miles is an option."

Total Recall landed a monster gamble in the JT McNamara Ladbrokes Munster National Handicap Chase at Limerick.

Having his first start for Willie Mullins on the retirement of Sandra Hughes, he was sent off the 2-1 favourite in the 16-runner field.

Keen early on, Ruby Walsh managed to get him settled at the rear of the field and he was always cantering thereafter.

Alpha Des Obeaux was still in front turning for home and ran a fine race off top weight, but there was never any real question who was going to win.

Running off just 129, the handicapper will no doubt have his say after this stroll in the park, but his biggest danger on this occasion was avoiding the fallers.

Walsh briefly shook him up after the last and he sprinted clear to win in fine style, scoring by seven lengths. Phil's Magic was third with Tulsa Jack fourth.

Walsh said: "He travelled and jumped well and I suppose the runner-up has run a blinder under top weight and we only had 10st 5lb on his back.

"He's a nice horse to get, he jumped super and was obviously well taught as a novice last year. He's a very loose horse, is like an elastic band and has great use of himself and has great power.

"He had a great racing weight on his back which is a huge plus and I'd say the runner-up has run an unbelievable race with top weight on his first run for a while.

"I was lucky as there were a couple of fallers and a lot suffered interference, but I was lucky to miss a good bit of that.

"He definitely got three miles and if you get into these type of handicaps with less than 10st 7lb, you've a huge chance and it's such an advantage.

"It's my second time winning the race after Dear Villez (2008) and it's great to win another big handicap with good prize-money."