Man On The Nile completes memorable week for Brennan

OWNER John Brennan, on the mark at Ballybrit with Cuan Na Grai in the Galway Hurdle and twice with Diego Garcia, completed a memorable week when the Willie Mullins-trained Man On The Nile ran away with the Mallow Hurdle at Cork yesterday.

The six-year-old was partnered by Mullins' son, Patrick, who was having his first ever spin over jumps. The youngster had most of this field covered from a fair way out, with Man On The Nile easing ahead over the second last and quickly stretching clear to beat Merry Star by five and a half lengths.

Commented Mullins senior: “Patrick doesn't have a licence to ride over hurdles and we had to get special permission from the Turf Club.