Mimi makes late charge I Am Mimi came with a well timed surge to land the spoils in the Portwest Handicap Hurdle at Ballinrobe. Keith Donoghue held his mount up in the two-miler before taking closer order after the second last flight on the 15/2 shot. The Gavin Cromwell-trained gelding gave chase to Desert Haven turning for home and wore down that rival late on to secure a three-parts-of-a-length win. I Am Mimi was making his first outing since finishing a well-beaten third in a maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan last September. Donoghue said:- “It worked out well. It opened up a little bit after two out and I got a good jump and was able to get into a good position. “He jumped the last well and in fairness to him when he straightened up, and I got stuck into him, he picked up well. “I think he’d rather be ridden like that. It worked out well and I was able to get into the race without having to use up too much. “He responded well and kept going well. Probably in the past he has weakened a bit so it was good to see him hit the line well today. “I’d say he runs well fresh and I’d definitely say that’s the key to him. He’s after strengthening up for a break as well so I’d say we’ll be in no rush back. “He’s won today so we’ll enjoy that.”
