Irancy makes statement as Mullins backs up Aintree success at Fairyhouse

“Mark said he jumped great and that the ground was nice for him. He said he was a happier horse today. If he’s fit and well, I’m sure he’ll be heading for Punchestown.”

Sun, 06 Apr, 2025 - 15:19

John Ryan

In the wake of his Aintree exploits, Willie Mullins was responsible for the first five home in the Grade 2 Donohue Marquees Novice Hurdle in Fairyhouse, a domination spear-headed by the J P McManus-owned Irancy, another big-race winner for Mark Walsh.

Seventh in the Supreme at Cheltenham last time, the 5-1 shot tracked the pace, was produced to lead before the final flight and went on to beat odds-on stable-companion Karniquet (Rachael Blackmore, deputising for the ‘sore’ Paul Townend), with Belloccio, Gaucher and Runcok close behind.

Frank Berry, representing the winning owner, commented, “That was a good performance. Things just didn’t happen for him in Cheltenham. This was a lovely race for him and it’s nice to see him winning like that.

“Mark said he jumped great and that the ground was nice for him. He said he was a happier horse today. If he’s fit and well, I’m sure he’ll be heading for Punchestown.”

Joseph O’Brien, on the mark with Lady With The Lamp in the Listed Cork Stakes in Cork, had initiated a fine across-the-card double when 16-1 shot Mr Percy landed the other Grade 2 on the Fairyhouse card, the Paddy Kehoe Suspended Ceilings Novice Hurdle.

Ridden by JJ Slevin, the five-year-old, in the colours of Simon Munir and Isaac Souede and wearing cheekpieces for the first time, overcame some trouble in running and a blip at the final flight before mastering Fleur In The Park and Ballygunner Castle.

“He travelled very well and didn’t mind the drying ground,” said Slevin, “He missed the last but picked up well and did well to win. This was a good bit of placing by the boys. He’s a decent horse on the flat, so there are plenty of options open to him.” The remarkable six-year-old mare Switch From Diesel, running in her eleventh bumper, registered her third success when outpointing Carrigmoonaspruce and Future Prospect, readily, in the listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Total Enjoyment Mares Flat Race, scooting clear under Ray Barron to score by three lengths.

Trainer Ross O’Sullivan said, “She’s a classy filly and has a high cruising-speed. She seems to have improved from run to run all year. The plan is to go to Punchestown, give her a break and go hurdling next season. She’s exciting, probably as good as I’ve had for a while.”

Two significant gambles were landed in the handicap hurdle action, the Gavin Cromwell-trained Crescent Moon (5/1 in the morning, returned 7/4 favourite) cruising to victory under a motionless Keith Donoghue in the Fairyhouse Easter festival, It’s Tradition Handicap Hurdle.

Malbas, having his first run for the Buckleys, delivered in the Boylesports Handicap Hurdle, holding off Cleopatra’s Needle to justify support from as big as 50/1 in the morning and returned 10/1, having drifted close to the off.

And Arthur Moore savoured a welcome change of luck. When The Miracle Man (Donagh Meyler) proved best in the Whistlin’ Donkeys @Fairyhouse Easter Saturday Handicap Hurdle.