Mullins & Townend continue hot streak

Eabha Grace justified 1/10 favouritism in winning Punchestow's Punchestown Members Club (Mares) Maiden Hurdle today by 30 lengths, continuing trainer Willie Mullins and stable jockey Paul Townend's hot streak.

The successful six year old Walk In The Park-filly was an effortless winner, although chasing Parvos s final flight fall, when beaten, somewhat increased the margin of victory.

More than half (52%) of Mullins' runners have won in the past fortnight and five-time Champion Jockey Townend, with eight wins from his last 14 rides, said “we didn't learn much more than we knew coming - she jumped fine and she got another round of schooling really.

“The ground is a bit harder work than it was yesterday as it's dried out a bit. She came alive around the bend turning in, for a furlong, and that was it.

“She's a fine mare and was unlucky to run into one (Halka Du Tabert) the last day. Going back up in trip today was always going to suit, she was consistent last year and is a great jumper. She'll jump a fence when she needs to.”

Quotes from Gary Carson