Unika La Reconce

There is a chance that Unika La Reconce may not get due recognition for this win, coming at Thurles on the last day’s racing before Christmas (if impressive Willie Mullins-trained winners can ever slip under the radar that is), but this was really impressive. Settled in front by Ruby Walsh, she jumped well, was always travelling best of all and she came clear from the second last flight in great style, posting a good time, the best of the day, nearly 10 seconds faster than the time that Midnight Game clocked in the preceding race, although admittedly there were only four runners in Midnight Game’s race and the pace was fairly modest.

This race probably didn't have great depth to it, but the runner-up, Speckled Wood, could be good. A daughter of Like-A-Butterfly, she wasn't beaten far by the talented pair Ally Cascade and Urano on her racecourse debut, and she travelled well through the race here. The pair of them had it between them from a fair way out, but Christy Roche's filly had no answer when Ruby Walsh asked the winner to lengthen from the second last.

Willie Mullins said that Unika La Reconce might take on the geldings at some stage, which is interesting, it gives an indication of the regard in which she is held at Closutton. She is a chaser-in-waiting, but in the meantime she will be of interest in some of the good mares’ hurdles. She should improve for this, her Irish debut, she is only four and this was just her fifth run ever.

23rd December 2012

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