THE improving Holly Tree proved far too good for a pair of shorter-priced rivals, Farmer Brown and Freds Benefit, in the www.hacketts.ie Novice Hurdle at Limerick yesterday.

WILLIE Mullins, second in the trainers’ championship behind Noel Meade with 39 winners, has prospects of a double at Gowran Park this afternoon with Freds Benefit and Franklins Trail.