The Mighty Milan strips fit on comeback

The Mighty Milan overcame an absence of 329 days to win a head bobbing finish in the bumper at Fairyhouse.

Katie Walsh sent Tom Nagle’s charge past the leader Agent James on the homeward bend. She kept him up to his work on the far rail while 5/4 favourite Azorian started motoring down the outside under Jane Mangan.

Azorian still appeared a bit green as Mangan tried to cut the deficit and they hit the line a head in arrears of the nicely-backed 3/1 shot. The Mighty Milan had been 6/1 in trading this morning.

The front two were four and a half lengths ahead of Apache Stronghold in third at 7/1.

The Mighty Milan had good form in his three bumper outings last year, including a win at Punchestown. He also had Pique Sous (Grade 2 winner today) behind him when second at the Curragh last May on his last racecourse appearance.

Tom Nagle said: He’s a good horse with a good rider. He had a touch of leg trouble and a few problems, but we always thought a lot of him.

“He’s tough. They slowed down at halfway which didn’t suit him. Katie reckons he needs a cracking gallop. He’ll go to Punchestown for the Champion Bumper.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson