Sa Fureur justified his odds as the 5-6 market leader in the Markaye Contracts Ltd Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle at Thurles, completing his hat-trick of wins with a short head victory over Buddy One. The stewards’ inquiry upheld the original placings despite the two horses coming close together a couple of times. Trainer Gordon Elliott secured his third consecutive victory in the Grade Three race, with jockey Jordan Gainford praising Sa Fureur’s performance and potential for future growth. In the Carey Glass Irish EBF Colreevy Mares Novice Chase, Brides Hill claimed victory by four lengths, with trainer Gavin Cromwell eyeing a step up to Grade One level for the six-year-old mare. Despite falling on her fencing debut in the autumn, Brides Hill showed confidence and strong jumping skills in the two-and-three-quarter-mile Listed contest. Cromwell described her as a lovely mare for next year’s races and noted that the Grade One Boylesports Gold Cup at Fairyhouse is a possibility.