Slieve Binnian follows up Curragh win in Nasrullah Handicap A premier handicap winner at the Curragh on Derby weekend, Slieve Binnian continued his progress for trainer David Marnane when easily landing the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Nasrullah Handicap at Leopardstown. A four-time winner on the all-weather for Michael Halford and Tracey Collins, the five-year-old had only the solitary success on turf prior to this season. However, having landed a second turf victory at the Curragh last month, the grey followed up off 5lb higher in this hotly contested handicap. Tracking the pace throughout, Luke McAteer went second in pursuit of leader Mississippi River over a furlong out. Getting to the latter 150 yards from home, Slieve Binnian quickened up smartly to score by one-and-three-quarter lengths. “It’s not very often you get to win two €100,000 handicaps one after another,” said Marnane. “He’s a lovely horse, very professional. We thought this was his trip and we fancied him, we thought he’d run a big race. “We thought in the Curragh that he idled a little bit in front. A couple of people were saying that some horses were finishing well but I just think he idled a little bit. “We made sure that we had him coming home today. He gave him a great ride and it was a good bit of placing by Ed (brother). “We’ll see what the handicapper does. I’d love to bring him to Galway. It would be a tough feat but I think he would suit the place. He’s got gate speed and stays. He’ll handle a bit of ease in the ground as well if there is a slight ease there. “A big thank-you to Mick Halford too, we were very lucky to get him. His mum passed away yesterday.”
