Rescue Package picks up another pot for Mullins

Rescue Package the sole mare in the field, got the better of the boys in the rated novice hurdle at Punchestown. Belfast Banter looked like he was going to reward a gamble when he came through to head Mighty Tom before the last.

However, Rescue Package loomed large on the outside and Danny Mullins got into the drive position on the run-in.

His mount got to grips with Belfast Banter in the final yards to win going away by two and a quarter lengths at 10/1.

Belfast Banter was returned at 5/1 having been double those odds in the morning. Mighty Tom weakened to finish third, beaten more than nine lengths by the winner.

“She's a tough mare and dad (Tony Mullins) has done a great job training her. He likes to give her time between runs,” said Danny Mullins.

“She's versatile distance and ground wise. We have six weeks to Christmas now, which might be enough time, and he'll probably look for a good handicap over that period for her.”

This was Rescue Package's third career victory having won a fillies' bumper at Ballinrobe and a mares' hurdle in Kilbeggan.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson