Mullins and Townend strike with Andalusa

Willie Mullins is looking forward to sending Andalusa over fences this summer after the mare overcame very testing ground conditions to land the featured Mullinahone Rated Novice Hurdle at Clonmel.

Paul Townend sent the easy to back 9/4 second favourite to the front before the penultimate flight and she was ridden right out on the run-in to just hold off the challenge of Bal De Rio by a short-head.

Key Commander was all the rage being available at 7/2 overnight and well-backed on track from 2/1 into 11/10.

Eoin Doyle ’s charge made the running until early in the straight but could find no extra under pressure after two out and finished a further five and a half lengths back in third.

Mullins said, "The ground wouldn't suit her but that ground wouldn't suit any horse in the race today. It was very very tough.

"We'll keep her at this job for the time being but what she did there she looked like a mare we're going to have fun with over fences when the ground gets better in the new season. She is a summer mare."

(TW & AM)