Westerner Mare Not For Catching Over Hurdles

Ifyoucatchmenow (6m Westerner - Ifyoucouldseemenow, by Saddler’s Hall) delivered on the promise of her hurdle debut when taking the Mares Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Tuesday.

The only runner on the day for champion trainer Willie Mullins, the bay mare was sent off favourite for her close second on her first attempt over hurdles during the Christmas period. Ridden prominently by Paul Townend, she improved to take second five from home and went on to lead from two out. Her nearest rival in the betting, Whatucallher, made a strong challenge nearing the finish, but the favourite rallied well to score by half a length.

Placed in two bumpers last season, Ifyoucatchmenow appreciated the step up to two and a half miles, as Townend later confirmed, “She’s a galloper. She jumps well and she's straight-forward.”

Now racing in the colours of David Dunsdon’s Coldunell Limited, the mare was bought by Mullins and Harold Kirk for £100,000 after winning her point-to-point for Denis Murphy. She was bred by Patrick Molloy and is a half-sister to Ballyward (Flemensfirth), who has finished fourth in two Grade 1 contests for the Mullins stable.