Ben is a talented one for Andy & Pat He's a Beneficial gelding that looks to have a bit of size to him and Abou Ben is making up for lost time, as on outing number six he gained his third victory, as a ten-year-old now in the Racegoer's Package 25euro Hurdle at Fairyhouse. Paul Townend's mount was following up a Navan win from 47 days back. He wasn't great over the final hurdle but he quickened up well on the run-in to get the better of Darwins Fox and Maggie Connolly by half a length and a length and three parts. Andy Oliver trains Abou Ben and he said: "He's a good horse. After Navan we took our time with him. "We've always rated him. He was off the track for two years and you need to mind him but he has plenty of ability. "We've no plans – we'll see how things pan out and we'll pick and choose with him. He handles that ground but we always thought that he'd go on better too. "Paul gave him a super ride and produced him very well. "Pat McElroy (the successful owner) has put a lot into training and breeding and it is great that he has a good horse." (GC & EM)
