Long Dog makes it four in-a-row The Willie Mullins trained Long Dog made it four in-a-row over flights as he ran out an easy winner of the Grade 3 Shannon Airport Christmas Racing Festival Novice Hurdle. Having won his maiden at Sligo in July the son of Notnowcato followed up at Galway before winning again at the Listowel Festival on his most recent start. Sent off at 1/7 today he made all under Ruby Walsh and easily brushed off the challenge of Solatentif in the straight, coming home three and three parts of a length to the good. The aforementioned Solatentif (12/1) had to settle for second under Jonathan Burke for Henry De Bromhead while Little Mitch was a further eleven lengths back in third. Ruby Walsh said afterwards: "He has done nothing wrong this season and the trip didn't bother him. He guessed at the second last first time around but other than that he was good. "He's a horse I've always liked and I'll chat to Willie but has to step up in grade now and that'll probably be his last soft touch!" STEWARDS REPORT The Stewards requested a report from Henry de Bromhead, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Solatentif (FR), placed second, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that his charge disappointed on his last start in Galway when unable to go the pace. He added that today's step up in trip helped his charge travel better and return to form. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
