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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Miss Manzor leads home one-two for Mullins in opener

Sat 13th Jan 2024, 12:50

Miss Manzor at the head of affairs under Paul Townend Miss Manzor at the head of affairs under Paul Townend
© Photo Healy Racing

Miss Manzor resumed winning ways when making all in the opening two-mile hurdle at Fairyhouse.

This Almanzor filly won twice in her native France before finishing seventh on Irish debut in a Grade 2 juvenile hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Paul Townend sent her straight to the front in the misty conditions and the pair outgunned stablemate Karia Des Blaises by two and a-quarter lengths on the run-in.

The winner was backed down to 6/4 favourite while the runner-up went off at 7/2 under Danny Mullins.

Paul Townend said: “She has a lovely attitude and she jumped brilliant, with the experience she had in France.

“She stays really well and was a simple ride.

“It's a tricky time of year with juveniles and I'm forever getting them wrong. I didn't think there was much between these two today, but I got the run of the race.

“She'll progress away, where she ends up I don't know.

“I used her experience and was able to keep it simple. She's quick through the air and has a willing attitude.”

Paddy Power gave Miss Manzor a first show of 12/1 for the Boodles and introduced her at 33/1 for the Triumph Hurdle.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.