Mullins strikes again

Willie Mullins’ terrific run of form at the Punchestown Festival continued as he registered his fourth success of the meeting with Josephine Cullen in the Aon Group/Sean Barrett Bloodstock Insurances Hurdle.

Hot on the heels of his 839-1 treble on Tuesday, the County Carlow handler struck again in the first race on day two with Ruby Walsh steering the 11-2 chance to an eight-length success over Very Green.

Walsh sent the four-year-old to the front three out and she never looked like being caught, with Nicky Henderson’s 11-10 favourite Jack The Giant weakening on the turn for home and finishing another two lengths back in third.

“I am delighted with that – she ran a cracker the last day and she is home-bred, so I am very happy,” said Mullins.

“There is nothing left for her here this season so she may go to Auteuil or even run on the Flat.

“I thought the team was in great form going into Cheltenham but they disappointed and they have come back to themselves just in time.”

Walsh registered a swift double when leading into the straight and keeping on strongly aboard Brogella in the ewleys Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Hurdle.

Outlaw Princess set out to make all but was tiring round the final bend, just as Walsh bore down aboard Frances Crowley’s mare.

Once hitting the front, the 11-2 chance showed no signs of rustiness having been off the track for 118 days and beat the staying-on Chicago Vic (14-1) by two lengths.

Crowley said: “We thought she was in foal but she wasn’t and will go and be covered by Kris Kin now.

“There is only really one race left for her and that will probably be a handicap hurdle at Killarney.”

The Last Hurrah was a welcome winner for Jessica Harrington ahead of Macs Joy's appearance later in the week when landing the Blue Square 1800 905050 Handicap Hurdle.

Always up with the pace throughout, young jockey Andrew Leigh used his 7lb claim to good effect by kicking for home on the turn into the straight and he was always holding his rivals to reward punters by two and a half lengths at 16-1.

The runner-up berth was filled by the Oliver Sherwood-trained Manorson, who ran a game race under 11st 7lb stepping back down in trip after contesting the Coral Cup at Cheltenham last time out.

He held off the challenge of Feel Good Factor by a neck, while Walsh was denied an immediate hat-trick on board 100-30 favourite Reisk Superman, who was a never-nearer fourth.