Kalix Delabarriere impresses in difficult conditions with Fairyhouse win

Kalix Delabarriere outran his odds to come home first of a substantial Willie Mullins-trained team in the valuable RYBO Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

A 22-1 chance under 7lb claimer Sean Cleary-Farrell, the six-year-old was on something of a retrieval mission after pulling up last time out.

He was one of seven from the Mullins stable in the field of 18, and benefited from the application of cheek pieces to defeat stablemate Sea Of Sands (33-1) by five lengths.

“I’m delighted for Sean to have a nice winner on a big day,” said Mullins.

“He had first time cheekpieces on today and Sean just bit his lip and bided his time during the race.

“They are difficult conditions to ride in here today. A lot of the jockeys are not sure what the best way is to ride the track with the wind. Some horses aren’t just facing into it so it’s very difficult.

“It’s a tremendous victory for Sean and it’ll be a great tonic for Lar Byrne who is a bit under the weather at the moment.”

Sept Etoiles shocked the field with an 80-1 triumph in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle Series Final.

Trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Danny Gilligan, the chestnut bounced back from a disappointing run last time out to score by six lengths.

“He dropped him in and hunted around, nearly all the horses that were up the front pulled up,” said Elliott.

“I don’t know what happened the last day, he never travelled a yard. Maybe he’s a bit of a monkey but he won anyway so we’re happy.

“It’s a nice race to win, a great pot and the Sloans (owners) are big supporters of Cullentra so I’m delighted for them.”

Gavin Cromwell’s Me Wee Bonnie Lass came to the fore in the BOYLE Sports Mares Handicap Chase.

A 15-2 chance under Patrick O’Brien, the seven-year-old defeated Kilbarry Saint, the 3-1 favourite, by 10 lengths to gain Listed honours.

“There was loads of pace and she was flat to the boards early on but she got into a great rhythm,” said Cromwell.

“Bar missing one down the back she jumped really well and stayed on really well.

“She’s a game little filly. I’ve won this race a couple of times and it’s a nice race to win.”

Belladaball then took the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Total Enjoyment Mares INH Flat Race to give Cromwell a double across the afternoon, prevailing at Listed level under Declan Lavery as a 9-1 chance.

“She travelled strongly and picked up well, she was impressive,” said Cromwell.

“She ran okay the last day, I’m surprised with that performance and maybe she’s better than we thought she was.

“I thought she was up to winning a summer bumper and that we might nick a bit of black-type here.

“I’ve no plan with her, I wouldn’t rule out Punchestown – I’d say she’d be fine on the ground.”