Mullins at the double
Sent off at 1/5, the five-year-old made all the running and survived an awkward jump at the final flight before beating Whisky Galore comfortably by three and a half lengths, prompting his partner Ruby Walsh to quip: “That was hard work.”
The Mullins double was completed when debutante Royal Moll, a daughter of King’s Theatre, ridden by Patrick, swooped inside the final furlong to beat Little Mitch in the mares bumper.
A Mullins treble was denied in the featured Guinness Sligo Handicap Hurdle when Rockyaboya failed by a half-length to collar front-running top-weight Top Madam, which bounced back to form in style under a well-judged front-running ride by 7lb. claimer Harley Dunne for Co. Cork owner-trainer Donal Coffey.
Earlier, Arthur Moore, second with his two flat runners on Wednesday, enjoyed better luck when 5/2 favourite Gentleman Duke, ridden by David Casey, opened his account over hurdles — at the thirteenth attempt — in the Easyfix Rubber Products Maiden Hurdle.
