Tyrone to Kerry suits Abou Ben fine

Useful hurdler Abou Ben enjoyed his trip from Co Tyrone down to Co Kerry when scoring for Andrew Oliver and Jane Mangan in the Qualified Riders’ race.

The 123-rated hurdler switched to chasing last-time out when half a length second to Clar Na Mionn over two miles at Roscommon. A mile and six on the flat though proved no trouble to the 11-year-old, however, his jockey had to change tactics during the race.

“They kept going slower and slower. Halfway down the back I thought it would turn into a tactical affair so I let him go on and he relaxed in front,” Jane Mangan said.

“He’s a two mile hurdler and they were going too slow.”

The 4/1 shot (from 10s this morning) duly won by three parts of a length from Rocket Man (9/2). Third-place money went to Aughnacurraveel (9/1). Sweet My Lord the top-rated hurdler of these nine runners, was returned 5/4 favourite for Willie Mullins and Katie Walsh, but he ran fourth.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes