Gary Carson
Cotil gets off the mark over fences
Blood Cotil
© Photo Healy Racing
Blood Cotil gained a deserved victory over fences when running out a cosy winner of the beginners chase at Naas.
Willie Mullins' charge had been placed on his previous three outings but made no mistake today in the two-mile contest.
He claimed front-runner Kick On Boss turning for home and despite meeting the last wrong he had plenty in hand to account for Dysios in the closing stages.
Danny Mullins could afford to ease down close home on the 2/1 favourite to score by 11 lengths.
Market rival Gilt Shadow proved a disappointment, fading before the straight after a couple of errors.
Willie Mullins said afterwards: "Danny gets on very well with him. He jumps well for him. He was very unlucky here the last day and was nearly brought down a the first.
"He can go anywhere now from two miles to two miles and six furlongs. Could go for a handicap next."
Bryan Cooper, on board Art Of Payroll received a kick from faller Viconte Du Noyer at the third last. He was reported to have a sore right arm and was unable to carry in his saddle afterwards.
The Gigginstown-retained jockey was stood down for remainder of day but the doctor on duty, Carlos McDowell, felt that he would be okay.
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)