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Gary Carson

Gary Carson

Easy for Sarabad in opener

Thu 7th Feb 2013, 13:59

Sarabad goes clear as Lughnasa crashes outSarabad goes clear as Lughnasa crashes out
© Photo Healy Racing

Sarabad revelled in the testing conditions when sauntering home an easy winner of the opening maiden hurdle at Clonmel this afternoon.

The Willie Mullins-trained gelding had been runner-up on his three previous starts but made no mistake today in the two-mile event.

Ruby Walsh bounced the 7/4 joint-favourite (from 9/4) out in front and he made all for a comprehensive 29-length success.

Market rival Lughnasa (6/4 to 7/4) had tried to mount a challenge turning for home but was under pressure and looked booked for second when crashing out at the second last, leaving the winner well clear.

“Ruby made it a test of stamina and that seems to be what he wants. I wouldn't be afraid to go two-and-a-half or three miles with him,” said Mullins afterwards.

As regards the ground the winning trainer quipped: “That could be described as Auteuil ground where he had his best form before.”

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)

About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.