Dark destroys his rivals to give Mullins' compensation

It was quick compensation for Willie and Danny Mullins in the second division of the Tipperary Town Maiden Hurdle as Dark Voyager ran out an impressive winner. Tax For Max had been beaten at odds-on in the first heat but the pair had few worries this time as the 7/4 favourite scored by a wide margin.

Having tracked the leaders for most of the two-mile trip the Raven's Pass gelding was sent on going to the second last flight.

He scooted clear before the last and was easing down in the closing stages to post a 26-length winning margin over Easca Peasca

The winner has been slightly disappointing when last seen in a Leopardstown maiden hurdle at Christmas but had chased home the smart Zanahiyr at Ballinrobe last October.

"He had good form behind Zanahiyr last October but just went off the boil a little bit. It was a nice performance and the bit of rain was no inconvenience to him,” said the winning rider.

"He still has plenty of options but the ground will probably dry up from now on. We thought he could handle summer ground but Willie will decide that as the time comes."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)