Auckland gets there under a Mullins drive

Auckland stormed home on the run-in of the opener at Killarney to nail The Folkes Tiara on the line.

The Folkes Tiara was nicely clear in the home straight of the 2m4f Broderick Plumbing Maiden Hurdle and a swift jump at the last saw him land two lengths clear of the closing Auckland and Perceval Legallois

Auckland really picked the chase upon touching down, though, and was driven home by Danny Mullins to force a photograph.

The pair got the verdict by a short head at 5/1 from the 8/1 runner-up. Perceval Legallois, the 9/4 favourite, kept on in third a further length and a quarter away.

Trainer Tony Mullins said: "When Danny gets after him, he backs off and I think it's a lack of confidence. He did the same jumping the last two in Fairyhouse previously and was lucky he got up today. When he gets his jumping together I think he'll be a fair handicapper and he stays well.

"I'm not saying he is a champion but I think we haven't seen the best of him by any means yet. He is a fair horse and will be a good 2m4f handicap hurdler."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes