Nicer ground helps Better Times Well-bred and point-to-point-placed Better Times (11/1) gained a first success today, landing Downpatrick’s Kevin Ross Bloodstock 110 Series Final Handicap Hurdle trainer Sonny Carey and jockey Michael Kenneally. Out of a half-sister to six-time Cheltenham festival winner Quevega, Better Times carries the colours of champion trainer Willie Mullins’ sister Sandra McCarthy and in today’s race was produced from rear to lead after the last, beating Miss Lia by 2.25 lengths. Trainer Carey reported "going up in trip and that better ground is what he wanted. It was holding ground in Leopardstown the last day, which he doesn't like, and I'd say he would probably go on better ground again. "That trip (2m6f) give us options now and he has just taken a while to learn to settle before his races. He is A1 once he is going, but used to run his race before he ran. He is doing everything well now. "We'll get him home, see how he is and we'll make a plan from there. His owners (Sandra and Peter McCarthy) picked this race out, so deserve the credit." Quotes from Michael Graham
