Two for Mullins & Ricci at Kilbeggan

It wasn't pretty in the closing stages but Sicilian Secret got the job done under David Casey in the Midland Breeders Supporting Kilbeggan Beginners Chase. The win brought up a double for his trainer Willie Mullins and owner Susannah Ricci.

That pair had of course been on the mark with the Emmet Mullins-ridden Blazing Tempo earlier.

Sicilian Secret got the better of Mickelson from before the last but he didn't help Casey with his jumping effort here.

Try as he might though, Total Excitement couldn't get to the victorious Flemensfirth gelding on the run-in, a length separating them at the line.

Casey said of the one-time big Cheltenham bumper fancy (back in 2009, finished down the field behind Dunguib): "He done it well.

"He jumped better today. He missed the last though – he was just idling in front at that stage.

"The good ground helped him, he loves it quick.

"In fairness to him he kept going."

The Stewards enquired into an incident after the final fence involving the winner Sicilian Secret, ridden by D.J. Casey and Mickelson, ridden by P. Carberry, placed third, where it appeared that the latter ran short of room when reaching the continuous running rail.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that D.J. Casey had ridden carelessly and severely cautioned him having taken his previous record into account.

(GC & EM)