May has been a month of doubles for Danny Mullins. A brace at Punchestown on the 1st, has been followed up by two-timers on the 8th (Cork) and 13th (Clonmel). The Kilkenny man was at it again at Kilbeggan this evening, winning on Presenting Bonnie and Berkshire Royal

Presenting Bonnie was in the opener for John Ryan, whilst Berkshire Royal was for uncle Willie, and owners Andy Bell and Fergus Lyons, in the Mullingar Novice Hurdle.

The Sir Percy gelding had begun for Closutton in the 2020 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, when as a 100/1 chance he finished last behind Shishkin.

That had been a stiff ask on jumping debut but the now six-year-old clearly learned something. He was too keen here on his first outing since. However that made no difference as he asserted after two out to slam odds-on favourite Homme D’un Soir by ten lengths.

“He was good. He had his first run over hurdles in the Supreme Novice and he’s always promised plenty. I didn’t think I’d get a go on him in Kilbeggan but it was a good performance and I’d say he could be a nice horse to look forward to,” said Danny Mullins.

“There is a lot of ability there and it’s coming together now. He was keen off a slow pace and he’ll jump better when we go faster.

“He’s a novice for the season and could go back on the Flat if they want to do that. He seems to have an engine and there will be plenty of options for him.”

(AM & EM)