Farmix made it third time lucky over hurdles with a dominant display in the opening race at Clonmel.
Fourth on his racecourse debut in a Punchestown bumper last December, Liz Doyle’s charge had since filled the runner-up spot twice in succession at Clonmel since the turn of the year.
Ridden by Donagh Meyler, the five-year-old was the 6/4 favourite for the Money Back On The BoyleSports App Maiden Hurdle and led his rivals a merry dance from the front before pulling clear from the final obstacle to score by 20 lengths.
Doyle was not present, but said from home: “He did it well and I’d say the slightly better ground has brought about a good bit of improvement.
“The twice he ran there before the ground was very deep and while he coped with it, I think the drier ground has helped him excel and it was never really in doubt.
“He’s a huge horse at over 17 hands and whatever he does over hurdles, I think he’ll be a 20lb better horse over fences.
“We’ll keep going with him for the time being before hopefully going chasing with him next season.”
The father-son combination of Philip and Luke Dempsey landed the Play Lotto On The BoyleSports App Maiden Hurdle with 7-1 shot Cosa Ben.
A faller two flights from home when still in contention at Gowran Park earlier in the month, the French-bred mare bounce back with a 17-length verdict over Daring Disciple.
Good performance - Farmix jumps really nicely and makes every yard to land our opener by 20 lengths for Donagh Meyler and Liz Doyle at @ClonmelR pic.twitter.com/I0KX5MmvnL
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 24, 2020
“I don’t know how unlucky she was in Gowran, but she was going to run a big race,” said trainer Philip Dempsey.
“I’d say this wasn’t a great race, but she’s done it well. She’s not over big, but she’s game and she jumps well.”