Mullins & Walsh double-up with Contingency

After winning the opener with Stratum Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins doubled-up with Contingency in the Deacy Gilligan Irish EBF Mares Hurdle.

Previously trained in the UK, the daughter of Champs Elysees changed hands for 31,000 guineas at Tattersalls last October.

She was successful on her debut for Mullins at Tramore last month, and was expected to follow-up today, going off the 15/8 favourite in the colours of the Bowes Lodge Stables Partnership.

Settled in second by Walsh, the bay victor took closer order from two out. She wasn't fluent over the last but was soon ridden to lead, keeping on well in the closing stages to score by three lengths. The Birdie Crowe (12s this morning and from 7s to 5s on-course) ran on well to take second under Donal McInerney for Jessica Harrington.

The 9/4 second favourite Jaime Sommers was coming with her effort approaching two out, but she blundered at that flight and unseated Cathal Landers.

Walsh said afterwards: "She has a great way of doing things, she is a grand and relaxed mare. She jumped an awful lot better today, she was a little untidy at the last.

"She has improved a lot from her first run and she is going in the right direction. Obviously she stays really well and hopefully she can improve again.

"She was well bought and hopefully her owners will have plenty of fun with her."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards received a report from Mr. P.L. Malone , Turf Club Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that D.N. Russell , rider of Denham Sound (GB) , weighed in at 1.1 lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that D.N. Russell was in breach of Rule 231 and they therefore cautioned the rider regarding his future responsibilities in this regard.

The Stewards received a report from Mr. P.L. Malone, Turf Club Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that R. Walsh, rider of Contingency (GB), weighed in at 1.2 lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that the rider was in breach of Rule 231 and they therefore cautioned the rider regarding his future responsibilities in this regard.