Karabak starts Irish career in Lismullen Connections of Karabak are hoping a change of scenery and the absence of Big Buck's will bring a welcome change of fortune for the smart staying hurdler. The eight-year-old, owned by JP McManus, has his first run since joining Eddie Harty's team from Alan King in the Lismullen Hurdle at Navan tomorrow. Although he won the Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham last December, he was beaten in his three subsequent starts including behind Big Buck's at Aintree, and has been transferred to Ireland in search of easier pickings. "He's going nicely and it will be interesting to see how he gets on in his first run for me," said the Curragh-based Harty. "One thing I do know for definite is that I won't improve him on Alan King, but hopefully he'll run well and we can make plans, hopefully, after Sunday. "He did nothing wrong with Alan. It was just that there is no Big Buck's over here and maybe there are a few easier opportunities. Time will tell." Opposition looks tough, with rivals including Colm Murphy's talented mare Voler La Vedette, the Willie Mullins-trained Mikael D'Haguenet and Colin Bowe's progressive Askanna. Murphy is pleased with Voler La Vedette as she has what the trainer hopes is a prep run for the Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse on December 4. "She's very good and it's nice to start her back again," said Murphy. "All being well, she'll have an entry in the Hatton's Grace, so fingers crossed that's what will happen."
