Joyeux Machin (nearest) in the air upsides Jungle Prose © Photo Healy Racing
After three disappointing runs since winning his maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse in December, the 11/10 favourite Joyeux Machin recaptured form when running out a decisive winner of the Support The Irish Injured Jockeys Hurdle.
The Saddler Maker gelding, stepping up to three miles for the first time under rules, sat second to Dovlator before easing past that one on the turn for home with two to jump. Travelling best at that point, Sean Flanagan's mount quickly settled matters and ran on well to beat market rival Jungle Prose by seven lengths.
A doubtless relieved winning trainer Paul Nolan said: "On the basis of his bumper and maiden hurdle wins, we thought he was a graded horse. He had been very, very disappointing and on the days he ran bad he was nearly bet after two hurdles. There was no real explanation for it.
"We were so wrong with Jungle Prose in the weights today, with Danny Gilligan claiming 7lb as well.
"He travelled and jumped well. Hopefully that trip will just have him more in his comfort zone. We will keep him going now and touch wood he stays right. He will probably go for a beginners chase on his next run and we will see where we go from there.
"He fell in his point-to-point after jumping brilliant all the way. He looked very good jumping there but just tipped over on landing."
Quotes from Donal Murphy
