The Mooch scores on handicap debut

The Mooch justified 3/1 favouritism in the Graun Hill Handicap Chase scoring under David Mullins for Paul Nolan and owner/breeder Roger English.

The son of Bach was making his debut in handicap company today and he previously won a bumper and a maiden hurdle at Wexford.

Having his first run since October of last year he led from the fourth fence and was never headed from there.

He was ridden after two out and despite a slow jump at the last he kept going well on the run-in to beat Ballyfinboy (14/1) by a length and a half.

Paul Nolan said afterwards: "He has won a bumper, a maiden hurdle and now a chase. We brought him over to the sales last year and we couldn't get E10,000 for him.

"The handicapper can't be too harsh on him, he only won a length and a half. If he stays right there should be another race in him over the summer.

"He had a good break before today and he is fresh. He jumped well today and I'd say he'll have no bother getting two and a half."