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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Mullins doubles up as Urano jumps to it

Sat 3rd Jan 2015, 15:42

Urano and Ruby Walsh are clear at the lastUrano and Ruby Walsh are clear at the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Willie Mullins completed a double at Cork as Urano made an impressive debut over fences in the McCarthy Insurance Group Beginners Chase.

The seven-year-old gelding endured a frustrating sequence of seconds before opening his account in a 2m6f maiden hurdle at Thurles last term, and was switched to fences here following an eight-month break.

The French import made most of the running and quickly settled the issue after two out, drawing clear for Ruby Walsh with the minimum of fuss.

The evens favourite had 13 lengths to spare over Drumlee at the line, with Makethedifference over two lengths further adrift in third. Flaming Dawn (8/1-4/1) was popular on track and was still in touch when falling three out.

The champion trainer was on the mark earlier with 10/1 outsider Bosman Rule in the opening rated novice hurdle.

Mullins said, "He wasn't bought as a chaser and was bought as a hurdler but maybe this is his job and he seemed to take to it well.

"We thought he might be good enough to run in the Supreme Novices Hurdle but has had a disappointing hurdling career. It looked like longer trips were suiting him better but maybe he is now coming to himself.

"He could be a Power Gold Cup horse but I hate making plans with him as he has disappointed in the past and I'd be happy if he just kept winning races."

Walsh said, "He jumped super, travelled fine and quickened up down the straight. We're struggling to find what the key is to him and maybe he's just a stronger horse now.

"Hopefully he'll go forward and he couldn't have been any more impressive today.â

€(TW & AM)

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.