Mullins doubles-up with easy-to-back Poker

The easy-to-back Poker D'ainay completed a double for Willie Mullins at Tramore, as he bounced back to form in the Christy O'Connor Memorial Rated Novice Hurdle.

A winner at Wexford last month, the John Brennan owned five-year-old since disappointing at Galway, pulling up in the three mile handicap hurdle won by Mr Smith.

Back in trip today to two mile four, the son of No Risk At All was as short as 5/4 this morning, but drifted out to a starting price of 7/2.

Settled in second by David Mullins, the chestnut gelding was pushed along to challenge for the lead after the third last flight.

He got to the front shortly after the next and kept on well from there, despite an awkward jump at the last, going on to score by two and a quarter lengths.

The well-backed Generator City (3s into 15/8 favouritism) was struggling from before two out, but kept on well from the last to take second, while Amor Verdadero was another three parts of a length back in third.

The winning trainer said in the aftermath: "It's a good thing I'm not a punter as I think I put everyone off of him today. I thought after his disappointing run at Galway that he couldn't win here.

"Only five or six runners in the race is probably huge for him because he gets a bit intimidated in big fields.

"He had to fight his way there and I think one or two of the jockeys were taking the job a bit serious. I don't know if that kind of riding is allow. Anyway, he came through.

"He had some lovely form early and then when we thought he might win he disappointed us. He really disappointed us at Galway but not everyone likes it there.

"He seemed to like this track and I think the fact there was only six runners was a big help. He was left on his own in second and that probably allow him to settle into the race."

Mullins was earlier on the mark with Quartz Du Rheu in the third.

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards interviewed T. Ryan, rider of Al Sakb (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that T. Ryan was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g)(frequency) and having considered his record they cautioned him on this occasion.

The Stewards interviewed D.G. Hogan, rider of Generator City, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the D.G. Hogan was in breach of Regulation 10.(g)(frequency) and Regulation 10.3(i)(time to respond) and having considered his record they suspended for 4 racedays.