Short-priced Mullins double completed at Thurles by Asterion

Winning point-to-pointer and big money buy Asterion Forlonge (a 1/4 shot) brought up a Thurles double for Willie Mullins in the Hill Fabrication INH Flat Race.

On the mark earlier with Footpad under Daryl Jacob, Mullins entrusted the spin on Asterion Forlonge to his son Patrick.

You’d imagine the connections of runner-up, Watergate Lady will have some suitors, as the daughter of Sholokhov made the successful grey work for his three parts of a length win.

They drew thirteen lengths and more clear of the rest.

"The race didn't go to plan and I didn't give him a fantastic ride and he got me out of a hole,” admitted Patrick Mullins.

He added: “He is a stayer and I ended up too far back on him. I got shuffled back and that was my fault and he did well to win considering.

"He had an injury last year and I'd imagine he'll go straight over hurdles now. He'll be a staying horse over hurdles and fences."

The Stewards interviewed Mr J.C. Barry, rider of Watergate Lady (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 found Mr. J. C. Barry in breach of Regulation 10.3.(g)(frequency and having considered his record, they cautioned him on this occasion.

(TW & EM)