Princely wins a 1st since 2014

"You could say he was back in business! I didn't think when I brought him in last August/September that I'd be waiting until now to win one with him," acknowledged Tom Mullins after Princely Conn landed the Clonmel Racecourse Supporters Club Guest Evening Hurdle under Barry Geraghty.

Three to one chance Princely Conn led before two out and he kept on well under pressure from before the last to see off Fearachain by two and a quarter lengths.

Market-leader Archive made a few slight mistakes. There was no extra from him from before the second last, he was soon eased and came home in a tailed off last position.

"We'll see what happens now and he might go for a two mile handicap hurdle at Punchestown in thirteen days time. The handicapper has been good with the numbers lately!" added Mullins on the J P McManus victor.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Archive (FR), trained by Henry de Bromhead, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard and making an abnormal respiratory noise post race.

The Stewards requested a report from Thomas Mullins, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Princely Conn, placed first, as compared with its recent run at Punchestown. Thomas Mullins reported that his charge was in close contention at Punchestown when making a bad mistake at the second last hurdle and was eased before the final hurdle when his chance was clearly gone. Furthermore he felt that the small number of runners in today's contest would have been of benefit to his charge. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.

(TW & EM)