Double Pleasure for Mullins & Walsh

Pleasure Dome completed a double at Sligo for Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins, as she defied top-weight in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap Hurdle.

Disappointingly beaten by a neck over the course last month, the daughter of Makfi since scored at Ballinrobe.

Expected to follow-up this evening, she was sent off the 11/10 favourite in the colours of owner John Turner.

Prominent throughout, the bay victor travelled best before two out and soon eased clear, never coming off the bridle to register a three and a quarter length success. Sir Ector (33s in early shows and from 14s to 11 on-course) finished a gallant second under Jack Kennedy for James Lambe, while Swingbridge (4/1) was eleven lengths back in third.

Walsh said afterwards: "She did it well. I was just afraid with three miles around here and eleven stone twelve on her back, and the runner-up is a dour stayer. Getting daylight at her hurdles is a help as she can be a bit careful.

"She was enjoying it so it's hard to know how much she had in hand. Things will get harder for her now as she gets into more competitive races."

STEWARDS REPORT

D.E. Mullins, rider of Cluan Dara trained by John Patrick Ryan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount lost his action and was pulled up having gone lame.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee