Nibiru wins lady riders' handicap

Runner-up off the same mark in last year’s renewal, the 5/2 favourite Nibiru went one better in the lady riders' handicap hurdle under a patient steer from Maxine O’Sullivan.

The seven-year-old was waited with towards the rear but made headway from the second-last and was switched towards the outer before the last where he jumped to the front.

From there he stayed on well to beat Tullypole Annie and Seddon by three and a half lengths and one and three quarter lengths.

This was a second win over hurdles, to go with two on the level, for John Breslin’s dual-purpose performer.

Winning trainer Tony Martin said: "It worked out well for he was doing nothing up the straight. Like I said, he probably goes best for a girl.

"He's had a lot of chances and when he goes, he's not too bad. That's him, he would do nothing for a year and you be going to sell him and he would do that.

"With the like of Katie Walsh and Nina Carberry gone, Maxine (O'Sullivan) and Aine (O'Connor) are the best two around.

"She was very good on him, the old horse was doing nothing for her turning in then all of a sudden she pulled him out, and he took off for her.

"He has earned another few runs after that anyway!"

Quotes from Michael Graham