Ship sails home in fine style Mother Ship pulled clear in good style to run out a wide margin winner of the Mahon Falls Novice Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel for trainer Shark Hanlon. The Affinisea mare had won on her penultimate start at Navan before finishing mid-division at Gowran earlier this month. She went to post as 10/1 shot today and travelled strongly to lead going to the second last for Harry Sexton. He asked his mount to quicken clear before the last and she went on to post a comprehensive nine-length success. "That is great as it is probably her last run this year because she likes nice ground,” said Hanlon. "We had thought about jumping her out handy, but Harry (Sexton) came into the parade ring and said that everybody wanted to be handy, so we decided to ride her out the back. In fairness she likes passing horses too. "Paddy (son) is in England but it was he who gave Harry the instructions and rang me afterwards as I was leaving the stands. “It is great for these owners, a seven-member syndicate from four different counties, as they have been patient.  "We bred her ourselves, which makes this all the sweeter, and it is great to get these winners on the board. “My son Sean told me recently that out of our last 52 runners, 45 were in the money and had 25 seconds and 10 thirds in that time too, so to win again is lovely." (Quotes by Tom Weekes)
