Cork win comes a year-on for Aione

Aione improved one placing on his 2022 runner-up effort in Cork's Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase today, completing course doubles for trainer Willie Mullins, jockey Michael O'Sullivan and owner Rich Ricci.

Runner-up in the 2022 renewal and pulled-up and a faller in three subsequent starts this term, the lightly-raced ten-year old was headed by Largy Debut approaching the final fence today but battled well for a half-length win.

O'Sullivan, earlier successful on Mullins' Mister Policeman said “he had every right to win that but did it well and jumped brilliantly. He backed off a small bit the last day so I wanted to keep the rev's up and in fairness he didn't miss a beat jumping. He won with plenty in hand.

“The ground is drying out all day and the chase track is a good bit quicker.

“He is a solid horse, there is probably a big pot in him somewhere and again, I'm very grateful to the connections.”

Trainer Mullins had earlier landed a Grade 1 hurdle at Fairyhouse with Ashroe Diamond and 15 minutes after Aione's race, completed a cross-card four-timer with Nick Rockett at the Leinster venue.