Highland Fling repeats Flat success with jumping glory at Listowel
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
Highland Fling won for the second time at Listowel this week when landing the M J Carroll ARRO Handicap Hurdle.
Gavin Cromwell's charge also scored on the Flat two days earlier and justified being sent off the well-backed 5-2 favourite as he beat Charlie Stout by six and a half lengths under Ger Fox.
"He was travelling well the whole way and loves that ground. He jumped well although I was a bit lucky to stay up at the last," said Fox.
French import Makitorix (4-9 favourite) made a winning debut for Willie Mullins when cruising home by 18 lengths in the John Lynch Memorial Maiden Hurdle under Ruby Walsh.
"He looks a nice recruit and we'll go down the novice route with him. He will probably stay at the minimum trip but I wouldn't be afraid to move him up in trip either," said Mullins.
"I was pleased the way he handled that type of ground for a Flat horse. I know he won on heavy in France but it's a different type of ground."
Mullins and Walsh made it two when Rathvinden (8-11 favourite) took the Allman Contracts Ltd Novice Chase by 20 lengths
Mullins said: "He did a nice piece of work this week so we thought he might be in better form than he was in Killarney. We will do more of the same with him and there would be no trouble going up in trip."
It was three for Mullins when his son Patrick guided Brahma Bull (3-1) home in the Listowel Races Supporters Club Slan Abhaile (Pro/Am) Flat Race.
Mullins won both top Flat and top National Hunt trainer at the Festival, with two wins on the level and six in the jumping sphere, while his son Patrick was named top amateur rider with two victories.
County Tipperary trainer John Ryan enjoyed a double with Icantsay (7-2 favourite) in the J.B. North Kerry Tyre Centre (Q.R.) Handicap Chase and Presenting Mahler (3-1 joint-favourite) in the Charlie Chuter Memorial Handicap Chase.
"Icantsay is way better over fences, obviously. That wouldn't have been the strongest handicap chase ever, but it's great to win it," said Ryan.
"Danny (Mullins) gave Presenting Mahler a good ride and she's a mare in great form. She had a lovely light weight and goes on that ground. The others seemingly didn't, and hopefully the handicapper won't be too hard on her."
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