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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Alisier D'irlande much too good for opposition

Sun 7th Feb 2016, 16:34

Alisier D'irlande pops the last in NaasAlisier D'irlande pops the last in Naas
© Photo Healy Racing

Alisier D'irlande dominated the beginners' chase at Naas and came home the wide-margin winner.

He was sent clear early on by

Andrew Lynch and was never threatened as he galloped on to take the spoils by 17 lengths.

Punters availed of the morning price of 5/4 and backed him down to 4/6 favourite on the off.

When last seen in a beginners' chase at Fairyhouse, he fell at the fifth when leading. This was the sixth race of his career having previously won a point-to-point and a maiden hurdle by 21 lengths at Thurles last March. Never Enough Time stayed on to be a never dangerous second at 7/2 with Wes Hardin in third at 16/1.

Andrew Lynch said: "The wind out there is probably a bit wild and probably wouldn't really help. Today was really just get him round safe and sound and get his confidence back from the last day.

"He was a lot better today, he was paying attention today. The last day there were three fences bypassed which didn't really help as they just got a run on me. He was a lot more relaxed today and there will be plenty of improvement in him with his jumping when he gets his confidence back.

"Fairyhouse was his first day out this year. He is a forward-going type but he was always going to be better today. Hopefully he will be better again in time. There's a good engine there."

Henry de Bromhead said: "He jumped very well although he did go out to the left and I think he'll be better on better ground. I'd say we'll have to stick to left-handed tracks.

"He's entered in the Arkle but that would seem a big step and I'll have to talk to Roger (Brookhouse). There is a winners-of-two at Leopardstown in three weeks time and he could run at Aintree in the Maghull. He's very exciting and I'm lucky to have him."

Alisier D'irlande was cut from 100/1 to 50/1 for the Arkle by Paddy Power.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.