Blackmore doubles-up on Mysloegin

After winning the opener on Statistical Rachael Blackmore doubled-up on the well-backed Mysloegin in the Michael Griffin Auctioneers Rated Novice Hurdle.

Beaten by just a nose at Sligo a week ago today, the Jimmy Finn trained six-year-old opened on-course at 7/2, before going off the 5/2 favourite.

Soon in front, the bay victor was pushed along after two out, and kept on well under pressure from the last, holding off the effort of Smitty Bacall by half a length.

The runner-up was returned at 4/1 under Barry Geraghty for Shay Barry, while the easy to back Dreamtide (7/4 out to 3s) was another three and three parts of a length back in third.

Finn said afterwards: "It was far from the plan to be in front. Nobody wanted to make it though, and Rachael knew Willie's had good toe, so she had no option really.

"Rachael doesn't make too many mistakes and seems to make the right decision the whole time! She is brilliant, and I have to give her every bit of credit. The mare jumps really well for her.

"Paul was unlucky on her the last day. He was beaten in a photo finish, so that was good compensation.

"I put her into this race last Thursday (before Sligo). It's not often I make the right decision!

"I think she might have a little break to freshen her up. Hopefully the ground will stay good. She seems to appreciate nice ground."