Cat gets the cream for Mullins

Fatcatinthehat proved much too strong for his rivals when running out an impressive winner of the amateur riders' maiden at Galway.

The Willie Mullins-trained gelding was well-backed (11/4 into 2/1f) in the mile-and-a-half event and punters never had an anxious moment.

Patrick Mullins tracked the leaders early on the gelding before letting him hit the lead with three furlongs to run.

He asked for an effort turning in and the response was immediate as Fatcatinthehat quickened away from his rivals.

The son of Authorized galloped on strongly to record a six-length success.

Dermot Weld's Three Kingdoms (15/8 to 9/4) was easy to back and got going too late as he stayed on into second inside the final furlong.

The winner wore earplugs during the race and Willie Mullins said afterwards:-

"It was just a precaution as he got very upset on his last run.

"We were just waiting for Galway with this horse - taking a leaf out of Dermot Weld's book!

"I was slightly worried about the trip but he handled it well. I wouldn't be worried about dropping back in trip. He should improve for the run."

Patrick Mullins felt that the winner could develop into a smart hurdler:-

"He was second here first time out as a two-year-old under my cousin Danny and had some great form as a two-year-old.

"That's his first run as a three-year-old and he was stepping up to a mile-and-a-half. Getting the allowances he did everything he was entitled to do.

"He's very keen but settled well today although he hung all the way down the straight when he was on his own.

"He's never been in front before and I think he still has a bit of growing up to do.

"He'll make a fantastic three-year-old hurdler and could be a Triumph Hurdle horse."

(On course reporting by Vincent Finegan)