A Mere Bagatelle boosts Hanlon ahead of Aintree Paddy Hanlon and A Mere Bagatelle made all for a ready success in the Grant Bros Developments Handicap Hurdle at Downpatrick. The 11/2 shot asserted after the last and ran away from his rivals to the tune of eight and a-half lengths. Fool Me Once (4/1jf) and Chortal (6/1) occupied the places. Shark Hanlon said: "I thought Paddy was very good on him. When they were all thinking about it at the start, Paddy stole three or four lengths and that was the difference in winning and losing. "The horse wants two and a-half miles, and that was over two miles one and a-half. I was just afraid that he might get outpaced, but Paddy made it a good staying test the whole way. "I'm delighted for Alan Cullen who is away on holidays at the moment. He rang me last night and told me his wallet was after being stolen. I said you better get money for tomorrow! I've no doubt he had a few quid on him. "The uphill finish suited him because it was only two mile one and a-half. He galloped the whole way to the top. I thought Paddy was very confident on him the whole way. "Next Saturday (Hewick in the Grand National at Aintree) is not that far away and to have a winner today coming into the week is a big help."
