McManus' hurdlers combine in festival 4-timer

J.P. McManus completed a Killarney festival ‘double-double’ today as his Paul Nolan trained Mon Lino was the leading owner’s fourth winner in two days at the Co Kerry venue, having landed the Killarney Racecourse Handicap Hurdle.

Ridden by Grade 1 winning jockey Jody McGarvey, the son of Martaline quickened well to lead at the final flight and in the end scored a two lengths win over Definite Soldier

Nolan later commented “the rain made a bit of a difference to him and at Fairyhouse the last day things happened a bit quick for him, and he didn't jump as well. He jumped away well today.

"I thought the tight track here would be a bit quick for him but they went slower today.

"He's a well-bred horse and hopefully he'll improve with age. It's taken a while for the penny to drop with him but in fairness he's improved with every run."

Mon Lino was McManus' fourth hurdle success at the Killarney festival meeting, having won the earlier race with Plinth and twice yesterday in maiden hurdles with Le Richebourg and Act In Time.

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee