Mullins hits treble top
Noel Meade’s Ipsos Du Berlais went off a 2-5 shot in the INH Stallion Owners’ EBF Novice Hurdle, but Mullins turned him over with Pickapocketortwo.
The winner led over two out and was always holding Ipsos Du Berlais on the run in. Pickapocketortwo did edge towards his opponent after the final flight, but there was never going to be a change in placings at the subsequent stewards’ inquiry.
“He’s improving and we will have to aim him higher”, said Mullins. “He’s a fine, big chasing type, who will jump a fence next season.”
Mullins’ Popcorn, like Pickapocketortwo, partnered by his son, Patrick, made a spectacular start over fences with a terrific display of jumping to land the opening beginners chase.
He never touched a twig and was allowed cruise to the front going to the fourth last. Well-backed favourite Rathlin tried to close him down, but could never get in a blow and was five and a half lengths adrift at the line. Commented Mullins senior: “Patrick says we should aim him at the four mile chase (Cheltenham). He’s a real natural jumper and we think he stays.”
Mullins was on the mark again when his French-import Turban, owned by Glanmire, Co Cork businessman, Eddie O’Connell, took the Cahir Maiden Hurdle.
He blundered at the second flight, but recovered and was produced to hit the front at the last by Ruby Walsh to score going away.
Said Mullins: “I’m pleasantly surprised, I thought he’d need that. Ruby thinks he will improve an awful lot and a novice hurdle will be next.”
Trifolium was all the rage morning prices and in the ring, but his jumping did not impress and he had nothing left when the chips were down. He is owned by Gigginstown House Stud, while their other runner, Folsom Blue, was the real eye-catcher, powering through late to claim second.
There was a setback for the Mullins camp when Cheltenham bumper third Aupcharlie proved a costly failure in the Munster Maiden Hurdle.
He travelled and jumped nicely throughout, but emptied worryingly from the second last, as the impressive Lord Windemere surged away.
Lord Windemere, trained by Jim Culloty and ridden by in-form Tom Doyle, had fallen at the fourth on his debut at Cork.
“He’s a brilliant jumper and I couldn’t believe it when he fell”, reported Culloty. “This is a big chasing type and we will now see how he comes out of the race before making plans.”
Mullins’ Champagne Agent went off the marginal favourite for the Bumper, but proved no match for his principal rival, Christy Roche’s Touch Back. Champagne Agent tried to steal it early in the straight, but Kevin Power soon produced the winner, who quickened away to indicate he has a bright future.
“I thought he might need another fortnight and will now go over hurdles,” said Roche.
The Ted Walsh yard landed a tasty gamble in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle with That’ll Do Me, 5-2 favourite from 11-2 and as high as 17-2 in the morning.
Ridden by Rob Jones, he coasted through the contest and had his only possible danger removed when Lock Mor Lad went two out. “He handled the ground and the trip suited”, said Walsh.
The two miles and six of the Templemore Handicap Chase took a lot of getting and it was Miss Pepperpot who was best equipped to slog her way through the testing ground.
Partnered by Brian O’Connell and always prominent, she had her task eased considerably when Andrea’s Answer departed at the final fence when still very much in contention.
