Ashbourne jockey Andrew Lynch was in double form today

Andrew Lynch double at Fairyhouse

Meath trainers Tom Gibney and Matthew Smith provided the ammunition for Ashbourne jockey Andrew Lynch's double at Fairyhouse today.

The Tom Gibney-trained Play The Game won the Easter Festival 1st-3rd April Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse today for the first of two inners for the popular Ashbourne jackey.

Lynch partnered the 11/4 shot for owner Derek Kierans to win by a length from Champagne Lady with the Gavin Cromwell-trained Political Policy in third place.

Lynch was back in the winners' enclosure for the next race when he brought the Kilmessan-trained Maeve's Choice home in front for trainer Matthew Smith.

Maeve's Choice was returned at 20/1 and got the better of the more-fancied Benefit Of Magic from the Jessica Harrington stable with Robbie Power on board.

Jockey Chris Meehan won the last at Fairyhouse with the Gordon Elliott-trained Poormans Hill.

CHELTENHAM

At Cheltenham, Barry Geraghty was on the mark for JP McManus in the opener when he guided the Nicky Henderson-trained Apple's Shakira to victory in the JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle.