Michael Graham
Grangeclare West seals treble for Mullins
Grangeclare West eases home under Jody Townend
© Photo Healy Racing
Grangeclare West won the bumper in the manner of a 2/11 shot to seal a Punchestown treble for Willie Mullins.
Jody Townend could afford a look over both shoulders entering the straight as her smooth travelling leader had the opposition off the bridle.
The 'jolly' was pushed clear by the furlong pole and strode in, eased down, by nine lengths. Salvador Ziggy (15/2) won the race for second by five and a half lengths from Watergrange Jack (50/1).
Townend said: “He’s a gorgeous horse and a complete gent. He was idling in front down the back and is still quite green. I’d say he would have been even more impressive if he had something to race with him.
“I have to make hay while the sun shines when Paddy (Mullins, suspended) is not around.”
Today is the second of two days of a whip suspension that Mullins picked up.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee