Mullins magic as Fitz wins thriller

He Fitz In upset some better fancied rivals to run out a 33/1 winner of the KilbegganRaces.com Novice Hurdle at Kilbeggan.

Only fourth jumping the final flight, Mullins galvanised his mount from the back of the last and a strong run saw the pair get up in the shadows of the post.

Runner-up Rockanrye looked to have the race won but a serious mistake at the last cost her dearly. The Sean O'Brien trained mare handled the tight track better than most and made a decisive move out of the back straight. However, the error proved her downfall and denied O'Brien a quick double.

He Fitz In looked to face a very stiff task at the weights but appreciated the stamina test and made the most of the opportunity that presented itself.

Danny Mullins, “He’s a bit claustrophobic so I gave him a bit of space. He’s like me — he likes a bit of time to himself to think about things!

“Going to the last I thought he had a chance. He’s a tough horse and even in Wexford the last day he battled hard to the line.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee