Mikael D’Haguenet stamps his class

Mikael D'Haguenet stamped his class on the Thurles Racecourse Hurdle to secure his first victory of the season in the hands of Mikey Fogarty. Fogarty secured his first Cheltenham Festival winner aboard Don Poli for Willie Mullins last week and the conditional jockey teamed up with the yard again in this three-mile conditions hurdle.

It is five years since Mikael D’Haguenet claimed his Cheltenham triumph in the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle and it has not been plain sailing for the 10-year-old since.

Making his first appearance since finishing a close third behind esteemed stable companion Hurricane Fly in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown in November, the veteran was trading at odds-on this morning but drifted out to 7/4 following support for his stablemate Mourad.

Mourad, sent off the 11/8 favourite, cut out much of the running under David Casey but it was clear rounding the home turn Mikael D’Haguenet had his measure and he eased clear under a confident Fogarty. Gold Patrol was also in the mix in the straight, but while he mastered Mourad after the last, he had to be content with the runner-up spot, beaten two and a half lengths.

Mourad disappointed for the third time this season in third, with The Bishop Looney finishing last of the four runners.

Mullins said of the winner: “He did no more than he should have done. Mikey said he jumped well and, unless a race comes up over fences where he’s well-in, he won’t run over fences. The rain came at the wrong time for Mourad, but at least he’s shown a bit more spark, and he should pay his way in the spring.”

Mullins also had news of his Cheltenham runners, reporting a clean bill of health with the exception of Briar Hill, who suffered a nasty injury when falling in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.

Mullins said: “They all came back without leg trouble which is something that hasn’t happened in the past. They are all sound and I’m delighted with all of them. “Briar Hill smashed his cheekbone and is the only one that won’t run for the rest of this season.