McLoughlin has Midlands in mind for progressive Mousey

Dermot McLoughlin now has a tilt at the Midlands National in mind for Mousey Brown after the progressive seven-year-old recorded a fourth win from her last five starts in the Punchestown Handicap Chase.

Upped 10lb for winning at Kilbeggan last weekend, the Califet seven-year-old was well-fancied to follow-up this afternoon and while priced up at 10/3 in early shows, she eventually went off the clear favourite at 11/8.

Soon settled in mid-division by Paddy O'Hanlon, the Alan Smith-owned victor took closer order from five out and was poised to challenge behind the leaders approaching the straight.

In front at the second last, the now seven-time winner (including a point-to-point) readily increased her advantage the before final fence and was all of nine-and-a-half lengths clear at the line.

The Gavin Cromwell-trained Railway Hurricane (10/1) was best of the rest under Conor Stone Walsh, while top-weight Mars Harper (17/2)was another two-and-three-quarters of a length away in third.

In a share of the lead at the time, Slane Hill blundered badly three out and lost all chance, eventually finishing sixth.

"We ran her here hoping she'd get into the Midlands National. She’s a big mare and hopefully she'll keep improving. She seems to be going the right way," McLoughlin commented.

"If she gets into Kilbeggan she'll go there.

"You're always anxious running back after seven days, but she’s obviously not taking much out of herself.

"She'll get a good break now as Kilbeggan is about six weeks away."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Jasmin De Cotte (FR), trained by Paul Nolan, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

R.A. Doyle, rider of Slane Hill, trained by Barry Connell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a bad mistake at the third last fence.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee