Arslan gives Willie a Thurles treble After a couple of odds-on defeats, Arslan made no mistake when readily landing the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle at Thurles to complete a treble for Willie Mullins. Sent off the 4/7 favourite, the Wootton Bassett gelding had his task simplified when market rival Fixios came down at the first. After sidestepping that one, the winner took over after the second and made the rest of the running to beat Fenian Maxios by eight and a half lengths. Winning rider Anna McGuinness, sporting the silks of the Slope Syndicate, said "He is a gorgeous big horse and everything has come together for him today. It was brilliant to get the opportunity, he was very straightforward, jumped brilliantly and travelled through the ground. "I sat on him and schooled him last week, and he has always shown a bit at home. With the second-favourite falling, that was the main danger out of the way and my horse was quick to manoeuvre around him as he was falling. "I am very grateful to Willie and the owners for giving me the ride." Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
