Patrick Mullins equalled Ted Walsh's record of 545 amateur wins, as he partnered Irish Lass to victory in the opener at Limerick, the Book Online At www.limerickraces.ie Mares Maiden Hurdle.

Successful on her debut at Tramore in August, the daughter of Getaway was beaten into second on her debut over flights at Downpatrick last month.

Expected to go one place better this afternoon, she was sent off the 4/9 favourite in the colours of the Bowes Lodge Stables Partnership.

Settled behind the leaders, she came through to lead before two out, but almost ran out at the second last, badly hampering Gambling Mistress

As a result of that, the Willie Mullins trained victor relinquished the lead, however she rallied gamely under pressure on the run-in, getting up close home to prevail by a short head. Harrys Gift (10/1) was the one just denied, while Indian Music (16/1) was a neck back in third.

Supporters of Gambling Mistress will no doubt feel aggrieved, with the Jessica Harrington trained four-year-old finishing strongly to finish fourth.

The winning rider said afterwards: "She did well to win considering she all but refused the second last, which was just greeness as it was her third lifetime run. She also made a mistake at the last and with the two mistakes she did well to win.

"I think she's a very good mare and I think she'll get black-type over hurdles and could possibly go Galway now, although we might do a little schooling with her at home first!

"Her dam (Screaming Witness) was my first ride on a race track (Thurles, December 2005) and so it's a nice bit of symmetry today and I also had my first career winner here in June 2006. It's nice to equal the record."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards enquired into possible interference approaching the second last hurdle involving Irish Lass, ridden by Mr P.W. Mullins, placed first and Gambling Mistress, ridden by B.J. Geraghty, placed fourth, where it appeared Irish Lass jinked left into the path of Gambling Mistress causing the latter to stumble. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judges placings and took no further action.

C.A. Landers, rider of Knockeenbawn Lady trained by James M. Barcoe, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount lost her action turning into the straight and he pulled up.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes