Mikael Lands Gamble

Mikael D'Haguenet landed a gamble when showing himself to be a very useful prospect in beating favourite Realt Dubh by four and a half lengths in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Maiden Hurdle.

Backed from 6/1 this morning into a returned 11/4, Paul Townend's mount overcame a mistake two out and when the market-leader arrived with his challenge at the last, the French-import showed a fine change of gear to prevail.

Willie Mullins, the successful handler said: "He is a good recruit and I'm delighted with that. We thought about going chasing with the horse but he showed so much at home that we decided to give hurdling a go. He'll stay further, I have no worries about trip, he's bred to stay and he'll go for a novice hurdle now." (EM)