Mullins and Townend grab victory after near misses

After their near misses in the previous races it came together nicely for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend with Quick Grabim (11/10 favourite) in the M.S.D. Animal Health Maiden Hurdle at Listowel.

Quick Grabim’s market rival Debuchet faded out of into fourth. His front running effort reached its conclusion when headed by Quick Grabim entering the straight.

In the Gold Cup winning silks of Michael Worcester, Townend went on to guide Quick Grabim to a four and a quarter length success over Bakmaj

Mister Mulligan gave Worcester a day to remember at Cheltenham in March 1997 under Tony McCoy, but the English owner couldn’t make to Listowel for this success.

"He was a nice bumper horse and got injured after a fall (at Leopardstown) and has been off for a long time. We kept him in and have been waiting for a bit of nice ground and a maiden hurdle that suited him. Today was the day," said Willie Mullins.

"Paul said he took a blow over the far side so he should improve a bit. We're looking forward to him in novice hurdles for the rest of the season.

"We didn't have the rub of the green in the previous two races and it's nice to get a winner."    

The Stewards fined C.Byrnes, trainer, €65 for failing to fit cheek pieces to Toulson (GB), prior to entering the parade ring.

(AM & EM)