Clar Na Mionn jumps the last before going on to win at Cork under Shane Butler© Photo Healy Racing
His half-brother by Old Vic, Hellyhunter won three, including on deep ground, before meeting with his demise at Ballinrobe in September 2010. The Witness Box gelding, Clar Na Mionn showed an ability to deal with testing ground to be a family trait when running out a well-backed winner of the Martinstown Opportunity Maiden Hurdle at Cork.
Shane Butler was aboard Val O’'Brien’s runner (9/2 into 3/1 on track, supported earlier in the day too) and that claimer was keeping up the good work having steered Tyrone Tiger (his first time aboard either horse) to victory at Down Royal last Saturday in another Martinstown heat.
Clar Na Mionn was going to win here, barring accidents, from before the second last flight. In the end he crossed the line four and a quarter lengths to the good from Tabac Brun (Liz Doyle and Kevin Sexton – earlier on the mark with Rafi De Triana . The market-leading Mireya had to 'make-do' with third place.
Val O'Brien said of Clar Na Mionn: "He's a fine horse and he'll either go for a winners of one or a handicap next.
"He'll go chasing but he'll probably wait until the new season." (TW & EM)
