Uimhiraceathair

Uimhiraceathair ran out a really impressive winner of the three-mile novices' handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse, also on Easter Sunday. Settled well back in the field by Ruby Walsh on this, his first attempt at three miles, he came through his field easily to arrive there around the home turn, the only horse still on the bridle. From there he found as much as it looked like he would. He made progress on the near side without his jockey asking him for any effort, and he kept on well all the way to the line.

Before this, the son of Old Vic hadn't fully fulfilled expectations of him. He has now started favourite for eight of his nine starts in bumpers and over hurdles, and this was just his third win, and his first over hurdles. That said, it was worth waiting for. The step up in trip and the good ground seems to have been the key. Visually it was impressive and the time of the race was the only one that dipped below Racing Post standard time on the day. His rider said afterwards that the better ground helped him a lot and that, combined with the step up to three miles, brought about what was unquestionably a career-best effort. He should be worth following now on good ground, ideally over two and three-quarter or three miles.

© The Irish Field, 18th April 2009

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