Mange Tout rates a tasty Triumph prospect at Fairyhouse

Mange Tout is clear favourite for the JCB Triumph Hurdle with some bookmakers after initiating a Fairyhouse four-timer for trainer Gordon Elliott.

A winner on her only start in France, the three-year-old made a successful Irish debut at Down Royal and stepped up to Grade Three level for the BAR 1 Betting Juvenile Hurdle in County Meath.

With Willie Mullins-trained French recruit Narciso Has narrowly preferred in the market as the 5-4 market leader, Mange Tout was an 11-8 shot in the hands of Jack Kennedy and she took over on the approach to the final flight before pulling two and three-quarter lengths clear of Narciso Has on the run-in.

Paddy Power make Mange Tout their 8-1 favourite from 16-1 for the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

“She did everything wrong the last day so we said we’d drop her in, get her settled today, and see how we go. It was a good performance and I’m absolutely delighted,” said Elliott.

“I said to Jack that she didn’t jump great but he said when he pulled her out and gave her a bit of room she was very good over the last two. That’s what you want. She settled better today.

“She put lengths between them very quick from the last to the line and I’d imagine she’ll go to Leopardstown now.

“We’ll dream for another while. I’m sure there are a lot of good ones (juvenile hurdlers) still to come out. I haven’t too many of them, she’s as good as we have at the moment.”

Elliott went on to win he Royal Bond Novice Hurdle with Koktail Brut (8-13 favourite), the Drinmore Novice Chase with Romeo Coolio (8-15 favourite) and the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle with Teahupoo (evens favourite), who was winning the Grade One feature for a record-equalling third time.

“It’s just one of those days, the horses are absolutely flying and we’re absolutely delighted,” the Cullentra House handler added.

“I’m getting the bounce of the ball at the moment and another day it will be someone else. I’ve had plenty of days where I didn’t get the bounce of the ball.

“We’re here in Fairyhouse, one of my local courses. We have a lot of friends and a lot of Meath supporters here on Meath GAA Day. It’s very important and I’m absolutely thrilled.”

Ian Donoghue’s Vaureal justified 7-2 favouritism in the BAR 1 Betting Ladies Handicap Chase under Caragh Monaghan, while Robert Tyner and Mark Walsh teamed up to claim top honours in the the BAR 1 Betting Porterstown Handicap Chase with the JP McManus-owned 3-1 market leader Better Times Ahead.

Willie Mullins and Paul Townend landed the BAR 1 Casino Handicap Hurdle with Zillow (7-2 joint-favourite), who was carrying the H O S Syndicate colours of his Breeders’ Cup Turf-winning stablemate Ethical Diamond.

On the run the winning owners are having, Mullins said: “From Del Mar down to Melbourne (Absurde eighth in Melbourne Cup) and back up to Fairyhouse, it’s fantastic.

“A lot of the grandchildren are here today and it’s a tremendous win. It’s what racing is about, the social side of racing and all the family are here.”

The Mags Mullins-trained Young Rebel finished with a wet sail to claim a 12-1 victory in the concluding BAR 1 Casino (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race, with 7lb claimer Anna McGuinness doing the steering.