Mirazur West and Mark Walsh© Photo Healy Racing
Mirazur West completed a four-timer for Willie Mullins at Fairyhouse, and a sixth winner on the day for the champion trainer, when making all in the Donohoe Marquees Novice Hurdle.
The 9/4 favourite was held up at Naas last time but Mark Walsh elected to revert to previous front-running tactics and it worked a treat in this Grade 2 test.
The Westerner brother to Ferny Hollow looked like he might be swallowed up early in the straight but asserted again approaching the last and kept on strongly to beat Kilbarry Saint by four and a half lengths. Western Diego was a further three-quarters of a length back in third.
Mullins said, “It was a good performance. Mark changed tactics today and it seemed to make a big difference to the horse.
“He likes to jump and gallop and looks tailor made for novice chasing next year.
“After the disappointment of Naas it was nice for him to come out and do that and we’ll look and see what’s left for him for the rest of the season.”
Mark Walsh, “He can be keen but he settled well today and when I asked him he quickened.
“I could feel them coming to me at the second last but he winged it.”
Paddy Power quote the winner at 14/1 (from 25/1) for next year’s Arkle Chase at Cheltenham and 25/1 (from 50/1) for the Turners Novice Chase.
