Invader comes to bookies' aid

The Willie Mullins bandwagon continues to roll successfully on and his Irish Invader provided bookmakers with some respite, when winning the Cashel Steeplechase at Thurles today.

Charles Byrnes' favourite Carthalawn was well backed from 5/4 into 4/5 and looked a real threat behind front running Irish Invader early in the straight.

However, Irish Invader, at once stage in his novice hurdling career regarded as a 'dodge' for punters, responded gamely under Paul Townend to eventually score by four and a half lengths.

Afterwards Mullins reported "Paul (Townend) gave Irish Invader a super ride, took the initiative from the start and jumped from fence to fence."

He added "I am seriously thinking about running Irish Invader in the English National now. We have been making plenty of use of him in his races but at Aintree we'll probably put him to sleep to stay the longer trip." Ponmeoath who took a crashing fall at the final fence when a moderate fourth, was subsequently ok following the fall.