Thornton completes Mighty double with gambled winner

Trainer Karl Thornton completed a notable Fairyhouse double today as his second winner Mighty Oak Lad landed an inspired gamble under bottom weight, in the Fairyhouse Membership 2024 Handicap Hurdle.

Carrying form-figures of '0080-00' and beaten a cumulative 98 lengths in two recent handicaps, Mighty Oak Lad's stamina 'itch' had nonetheless been left unscratched and, today, was stepping up from two-miles at Thurles previously, to three.

Backed from 20/1 yesterday and 14/1 this morning, the six-year-old was returned 7/2 and in the race, made all for an easy 11 lengths win from Cher Why Not . Both Mighty Oak Lad and Thornton's earlier winner Don't Talk were ably ridden by Donagh Meyler.

North county Dublin-based Thornton endured a frustrating 2022 spell as stable star Lord Lariat moved yards prior to winning the Irish Grand National at today's venue, and today he reported “there wasn't much pace on and Mighty Oak Lad is a good jumper, so Donagh lobbed away in front.

“He said he made a mistake at the first in Thurles and his race was over. Everything was happening a bit quick for him around there as he's a big oul horse.

“I'd say he's definitely suited by a bigger track and I'd say he'll stay hurdling. We'll give him a couple more runs and see if he can improve again.”

Quotes from Gary Carson