LAST weekend was a significant weekend for the Bowe family, with the Grade 3 Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle run at Fairyhouse on Saturday and the Grade 3 Limestone Lad Hurdle run at Naas on Sunday.

It could also be a significant weekend for Sullivan Bloodstock, owners of the two winners Laurina and Sandsend.

The two winners have lots in common.

Both raced in the Sullivan Bloodstock colours, both are trained by Willie Mullins, and both were ridden to victory at the weekend by Paul Townend.

Also, both horses are five years old, both are French imports, and the two of them were racing for the second time for their current connections at the weekend.

Both horses are exciting prospects, and it may be that we will be hearing much more about the pair of them as the season develops further.

Thought for the week

IF any horse had run Lasix-free in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Saturday evening, he or she would have received a 7lb weight concession from his or her rivals.

The allowance was increased from 5lb last year. Yet no horse did. Not one. All 12 sets of connections chose to race with Lasix. Difficult to argue then that it doesn’t enhance performance isn’t it?