Cooldine had little trouble completing a four-timer in the Grade Two
Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle at Thurles.
The Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old set off in front under Ruby Walsh
and had most of his rivals in trouble when turning the screw in the back
straight in the two-and-a-half-mile contest.
Ballycullen Boy and Deal Maker tried to keep tabs on him, but Cooldine
(6-4) burned them off and jumped the last two clear before coasting in by
11 lengths.
Mullins is eyeing targets at Fairyhouse and Punchestown, but is
particularly looking forward to sending the winner chasing next season.
Cailin Alainn showed something of her old zip with a resolute performance
to land the Cashel Fine Art Chase over two and a quarter miles.
Barry Geraghty always had the leaders in his sights and after taking
second position behind Alexander Taipan with four still to jump, the pair
soon pulled clear.
Cailin Alainn (7-2), whose career had been derailed by two Cheltenham
falls last season, went on after the second-last and though she blundered
at the final fence, she had enough left to hold on by a length and a
quarter.
Trainer Charles Byrnes will consider an Irish Grand National tilt but
looks more likely to find her a race at Punchestown, and she could even
try to make the most of a decent mark over hurdles.
The Mullins-Walsh combination sparked a double when Dooneys Gate (3-1)
took the Ballycahill (C&G) Beginners Chase, but they were out of luck with
well-fancied runners in other races.
Rosy Cyborg was beaten a neck by Follow The Plan (16-1) in the Holy Cross
Maiden Hurdle, the result giving the Oliver McKiernan team a boost ahead
of Cheltenham. They will be sending Home Hunter (Albert Bartlett Spa
Hurdle) and Whatuthink (Ballymore Properties).
Walsh grabbed his third win as Kenah Hill took the Prime Beef Handicap
Hurdle at 15-2.
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