Carberry at his tactical best on Mickelson

Paul Carberry has really taken a liking to Ballinrobe this year and, having completed a superb treble at the Co. Mayo venue four weeks ago, again took the riding honours last night, completing an early double on Usa and Mickelson.

The Tom Hogan-trained Flycorn and John ‘Shark’ Hanlon’s Clondaw Warrior dominated the market for the two-mile Irish Stallion Farms Hurdle, but both horses disappointed as Carberry was seen at his tactical best on the Noel Meade-trained Mickelson.

The former champion dictated the pace, being headed only briefly by the free-running favourite Flycorn at the fifth, and gradually increased the tempo from the second last, edging clear before the home-turn before beating longshot Empire Theatre by almost five lengths.