Review ballinrobe 29th May

Paul Carberry was the man in form at Ballinrobe as he landed a double in the opening two races including the success of Mickelson in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Hurdle.

The jockey dictated terms in the two-and-a-half-mile event and had favourite Flycorn as his closest pursuer for most of the way as Noel Meade's charge skipped round the sharp track.

When Flycorn faded it was Clondaw Warrior who tried to throw down a challenge, but Carberry had plenty up his sleeve and Mickelson (4-1) kicked away going to the last to beat Empire Theatre by four and three-quarter lengths.

The jockey initiated his double when the well-backed USA (9-2), who showed he was in form when finishing second at the track on Monday, made a quick reappearance to take the Connacht Telegraph Maiden Hurdle.

Carberry was travelling sweetly enough turning towards the final flight, but odds-on favourite Jimjim Mac Cool took a slight advantage after jumping it and Stephen Mahon's charge had to rally to win by a head.

Brendan Duke sent out Mister Benedictine to destroy the opposition in the Sheridan Electrical Castlebar Handicap Hurdle on his return from a lay-off lasting nearly a year.

Last a winner at Huntingdon four years ago, the nine-year-old had some support and went off a 14-1 chance before scooting clear from the second-last. David Crosse was able to ease him over the line with six lengths to spare.

Henry de Bromhead looks to have a useful sort on his hands in the shape of Absolutlyfantastic (9-10 favourite), who jumped well all the way round for Davy Russell and easily held off market rival The Bull Hayes by a length and a quarter in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase.

Charlie Swan's Jewel In The Sun (11-1), ridden by Brian Cawley, took the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase by 15 lengths in the JP McManus silks after Stonesinmypocket sporting the same colours, came down at the last when trying to hunt him down.