Rathl in to pounce on Unika's mistake

The oldest horse in the line-up, Rathlin bagged his first success for nearly a year when landing the Munster Hurdle at Clonmel as a 16/1 shot for Mouse Morris and Bryan Cooper.

Gigginstown House Stud's retained jockey, Davy Russell rode their other contender Rye Martini and he was already struggling when his chance ended with a mistake at the second last.

The Westmeath outfit's Rathlin also knocked that flight out of the ground but there was to be another twist in the jumping tale as favourite Unika La Reconce made a mistake at the last when looking an assured winner.

Rathlin pounced on Unika La Reconce's (swished her tail away from the third last) misfortune to get up and score by three parts of a length.

Unika Le Reconce's main market rival, Anonis blundered at the seventh. The writing was soon on the wall for him and he ended up pulling up before the fourth last.

Winning trainer Mouse Morris said: "That was good. He lost his way and that's why we decided to go back over hurdles with him.

"It looks like he's more of a spring/summer horse now.

"He'll go back over fences but he's not an easy horse to place being rated in the 140s.

"At least the horses are in good form at the right time of the year."

D.E. Mullins, rider of Anonis trained by Ms Margaret Mullins, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount made a mistake and lost his action, consequently pulled up.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Anonis, trained by Ms Margaret Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be slightly lame post race. (TW & EM)