Excelcius completes quick double for Tom Mullins

Excelcius completed a quick double for Tom Mullins in the concluding John Thomas McNamara Series (Qualified Riders) Handicap.

Ridden by his son Charlie and owned by wife Helen, the successful bay was sent off a 13/2 chance, returning to the level for the first time since May.

A winner over flights at Killarney in July, the Exceed And Excel gelding was fifth on his most recent start, which was again at the Co Kerry venue.

Settled in mid-division, the five-year-old took closer from early in the straight and was poised to challenge in second over a furlong from home.

He was ridden and edged to the front inside the final 200 yards, keeping on well from there to score by half-a-length. Ashqar (7/2f from 12 early) finished second under John Kirwan for Declan Queally, while Drayton Cross was another length way in third

Mullins, who took the previous contest with Takarengo said: "Charlie was very good on him, they went a right gallop, he never lost his cool and bided his time - he also gets on really well with him at home.

"My horses were sick the week of Galway, they're back now and this race fitted him like a glove.

"I'm thrilled that Charlie was able to do the weight. He is a big man and wouldn't do any better than 11st7lbs. He is doing the Leaving (Cert) and I hope to have a few horses to keep giving him rides. It's a pity he is so tall as I think he rides very well."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes