Ar Nos Na Gaoithe blows her rivals away Ar Nos Na Gaoithe got off the mark in impressive fashion when taking division one of the Kilmolash (QR) Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel this afternoon. The Philip Rothwell-trained mare had dropped down to a real basement mark of 77 but led early in the straight of this 2m3f event and soon took command. The 17/2 chance drew clear before a slight mistake at the last and galloped on strongly under Phidelma Elvin to beat Siul Molly Siul by six and a half lengths. There was a further gap of 13 lengths back to Tir Og in third. Rothwell said, "The filly and the owner Noel Keena deserve it hugely. It is very much a family syndicate and what an amazing family from Wicklow they are. It is the first horse they have with me and they came to me last year and bought this filly cheaply. "The amount of fun they have got our of her is immense and they have a second one in training now. "This is a small summery little mare who runs her heart out every day. I told the owners that I didn't know which day she would win but that we'll just have to keep trying and she'd get her day. "Phidelma is a massive part of the team and is very lucky for us as well. She never makes too many mistakes in those amateur or ladies' riders races and is a huge asset around the yard at home." Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
