Mikael delights punters in Ballymore

Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh teamed up for their second winner of the meeting, and the fifth success for Irish-trained horses, when Mikael D'Haguenet justified strong support in the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle.

The French-bred gelding, 4/1 in the morning before being heavily-backed down to 5/2 favourite, was always travelling well and settled the issue when sent on by Walsh before the last.

Karabak stayed on well in the closing stages to get within one and three-quarter lengths, while Diamond Harry could find no extra when headed by the winner on the home bend finishing third.

Walsh said, 'He's a machine and travelled far too well all the way. At the top of the hill when I got a gap I didn't want, he just charged into it.'

'He had a look at the second-last but when they closed up around me he came back on the bridle again. He's a smashing horse.'