Nicole's Milan on good terms with himself© Photo Healy Racing
Nicole's Milan absolutely ran away with the three mile handicap hurdle on Clonmel's card under Phillip Enright who secured a double.
Nicole's Milan was last seen finishing third behind Hilltop Supreme in Punchestown at the start of the month (over two and a half miles) and the form was boosted when Hilltop Supreme obliged in the preceding race on this card.
The 10-year-old gelding tanked along at the top of the track and moved ominously well upsides Macs Legend on the downhill run.
He was on the bridle in easing past Macs Legend two out and had that rival beaten jumping the last.
The 15/2 shot popped it well and glided in by an easy 10 lengths. Macs Legend, the 10/3 favourite, was outgunned in second. Queen Of Fame completed the placings in third at 6/1.
"He has been running well and he can be competitive in that grade. Where there are suitable races he'll go there," trainer Sean Aherne said.
"My horses have hit form recently; they were very out of form for a long time and are a bit better now. We had aspergillosis and must have had it for a long time before I discovered it.
"It is only before Christmas I discovered I had it and we treated the horses for it and they have turned a corner since. They are now all running respectable races in comparison to what was going on. I have ten in training and hopefully we can have more luck."
Enright was also successful on Cregane Ned on the card.
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
