RATHLIN OPENED his account for Mouse Morris in a beginners chase at Fairyhouse yesterday. The seven-year-old looked set for big things when trained by Philip Rothwell last season and finished sixth in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Since joining Morris in the summer he has been a beaten favourite at Thurles twice but made every yard under Davy Russell as the 6 to 4 market leader.
“That was much better. He’s got his wind done and hopefully he’ll come on confidence-wise,” said Morris. “I’d say he needs a bit of a trip. He’ll maybe get three miles if he learns to relax a bit more. He jumped well today.”
Oliver McKiernan saddled a double with Profit Margin and Changing Times. Profit Margin nearly got rid of Ger Fox at the second fence in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase but he recovered brilliantly in plenty of time to win by three and a half lengths. “He did it well and he got a great ride,” said McKiernan. “That was the first time that Ger had sat on him.”
Changing Times was given a patient ride by Shane Crimin in the Fairyhouse Membership Maiden Hurdle. It was the 7lb claimer’s second win.
Noel Meade’s Mickelson repaid his trainer’s faith in the Racegoer’s Package 25 euro Maiden Hurdle. After showing some decent bumper form he had yet to win a race and was beaten a long way on his hurdling debut.
However, he made every yard under a confident Paul Carberry and could go on to better things. “I thought he was a certainty at Down Royal on St Stephen’s Day but he ran like a hairy goat (finished seventh),” said Meade. “We’ll see where we go now and he probably wants better ground. With that being the first race he got the best of it which was a big help.”
Michael McElhone, who gave up his licence for a few years, saddled his first winner since 2008 when Dooney Rock made all in the Costa Coffee Dock Rated Hurdle.
“I can take no credit for the win though, my wife Anne rides him out every day – she does the whole thing,” said the trainer.
Followers of Willie Mullins collected in the concluding bumper with Dr Machini, and at a rewarding price. An odds-on favourite in the morning, despite her main market rival being a non-runner, she was sent off at 6 to 4 under Patrick Mullins.
Mullins, meanwhile, reported Hurricane Fly to be “100 per cent” ahead of his planned seasonal return in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.
“I don’t think he needs to improve too much from his work the other day. I thought it was very good work and I’m more than happy with him now. With a clear run between now and the 29th, he’ll be more or less at his best I hope,”said Mullins.