Review THURLES 6th Mar

Cooldine had little trouble completing a four-timer in the Grade Two

Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle at Thurles.

The Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old set off in front under Ruby Walsh

and had most of his rivals in trouble when turning the screw in the back

straight in the two-and-a-half-mile contest.

Ballycullen Boy and Deal Maker tried to keep tabs on him, but Cooldine

(6-4) burned them off and jumped the last two clear before coasting in by

11 lengths.

Mullins is eyeing targets at Fairyhouse and Punchestown, but is

particularly looking forward to sending the winner chasing next season.

Cailin Alainn showed something of her old zip with a resolute performance

to land the Cashel Fine Art Chase over two and a quarter miles.

Barry Geraghty always had the leaders in his sights and after taking

second position behind Alexander Taipan with four still to jump, the pair

soon pulled clear.

Cailin Alainn (7-2), whose career had been derailed by two Cheltenham

falls last season, went on after the second-last and though she blundered

at the final fence, she had enough left to hold on by a length and a

quarter.

Trainer Charles Byrnes will consider an Irish Grand National tilt but

looks more likely to find her a race at Punchestown, and she could even

try to make the most of a decent mark over hurdles.

The Mullins-Walsh combination sparked a double when Dooneys Gate (3-1)

took the Ballycahill (C&G) Beginners Chase, but they were out of luck with

well-fancied runners in other races.

Rosy Cyborg was beaten a neck by Follow The Plan (16-1) in the Holy Cross

Maiden Hurdle, the result giving the Oliver McKiernan team a boost ahead

of Cheltenham. They will be sending Home Hunter (Albert Bartlett Spa

Hurdle) and Whatuthink (Ballymore Properties).

Walsh grabbed his third win as Kenah Hill took the Prime Beef Handicap

Hurdle at 15-2.

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