Friendless Fog upstages disappointing Daddy

Daddy Long Legs (2/5f) was upstaged by stable companion Winter Fog in the feature at Tipperary this evening, the Grade 3 Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Hurdle.

Friendless in the market and returned at 22/1 from early shows of 8/1, the Willie Mullins-trained 10-year-old finished last of four on his return to action at Ballinrobe in May.

Settled towards the head of the chasing pack, he closed on the front-running Minx Tiara from three out and was pushed along to lead after the next.

Quickly surging clear under Brian Hayes, he eventually came home 16-lengths to the good in the colours of the Triple Lock Partnership.

Gordon Elliott 's Shecouldbeanything (11/1) stuck to her task well and finished second, while the aforementioned Minx Tiara (15/2) was a further nine-and-a-half lengths away in third.

The Paul Townend-ridden market leader, who is rated just 3lb higher than the winner, wasn't fluent over three out and soon began to struggle, eventually finishing a very disappointing fifth.

"I'd say the ground is on the slow side and maybe a lot of them didn’t handle it whereas he did," Patrick Mullins reflected.

"He's not a slow horse. I thought he would have won the mile and a half maiden in Galway last year, but he got upset in the stalls.

"The owners are keen to go for the Galway Hurdle and why not. We can roll the dice and see.

"I'd like to go back on the Flat with him at some stage and there is also a beginners chase in him at some stage.

"I didn't get a chance to talk to Paul (Townend) yet but there is something amiss obviously, maybe the ground. It was too bad to be true and we'll get him home and see."

STEWARDS REPORTS

P. Townend, rider of Daddy Long Legs (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount missed the third last and stopped quickly.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed the start of this race where D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of SUrprise Package (GB) was unseated. The rider reported that he was unfortunately unseated at the start through no fault of anyone. Mr. P. Moloney reported that he was in communication with the riders as they approached the tape and they were all happy to come forward. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Daddy Long Legs (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee