Proactif shows what he is capable of

One of the most disappointing performances of the Cheltenham Festival was by Proactif in the Triumph Hurdle. The Top 40 entry didn't jump with any fluency and never looked comfortable under Mark Walsh. The Masked Marvel gelding trailed in a well beaten ninth behind stablemate Apolon De Charnie, who he had beaten on his racecourse debut at Auteuil last Autumn. Back in action in a Grade 2 juvenile hurdle at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday, the four year old showed what he is capable of winning narrowly from stablemate Macho Man, who he had defeated over the same C&D in January. Racing prominently and jumping much better, Willie Mullins' charge led three out before staying on strongly after the last. A neck separated the pair with three lengths back to another stablemate Majolique who was set a stiff task at the back of the field.

Jet To Monte Carlo (10/1) is featured in Declan Phelan's Irish Pointers section in One Jump Ahead and the Emmet Mullins trained runner made a mockery of an opening mark of 114 in the novices' handicap hurdle which started the card. Donagh Meyler's mount raced in behind the leaders before making his move at the penultimate flight. Stretching away, he won by four and a quarter lengths and should have plenty more to offer.

Switching codes, subscribers to the Cheltenham Festival Update will be aware that Gethin (7/4) was highlighted for the Listed Magnolia Stakes at Kempton. Owen Burrows' lightly raced four year old duly deliveered on his seasonal reappearance running on strongly to beat Devil's Advocate by three and a quarter lengths. The Ghaiyyath colt is set for a productive 2026. Thank you to those clients who have emailed since, it is much appreciated.

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