Junior Rattler another for in-form McKiernan

Junior Rattler was a 20/1 winner of the Bar One Racing ‘Hear The Views Of Our Ambassador Danny Mullins From Cheltenham’ Handicap Hurdle in the hands of Barry Browne.

In a race where I Don’t Get It went off at a brisk pace and established a clear lead, the first-time hooded Arakan gelding was waited with until improving before two out.

The leader was reeled in before the last and Junior Rattler was the one who kept on best on the run-in to score by a length from Danegeld (5/1). Just Another Lady (11/1) and Howluckycanwebe (33/1) filled the frame but the 9/4 favourite Rocco’s Storm was never a factor before finishing well down the field.

After his double at Leopardstown on Monday, it was another success for winning trainer Oliver McKiernan who remarked: “He didn’t run well the last day (beat only one home at Punchestown) and I put it down to the ground but he did get lit up at the start. There was a false start the last day and it threw him altogether.

“I wasn’t expecting him to win in the ground today but we rode him differently — we dropped him in a fair bit and it worked coming up the straight. I’ve no doubt now that he goes on soft ground but I wouldn’t have been saying that this morning.

“I’ve no real plan but he will jump a fence in time.

"I’d like to complement Barney O’Hare (of Bar One Racing) for his sponsorship today — we really appreciate it.”

Quotes from Alan Magee