Upazo scores for Mullins & Walsh

Champion Trainer Willie Mullins recorded his second winner at Tramore's August Festival today when his Upazo justified 7/4 favouritism to win the Comeragh Veterinary, Kilmacthomas Chase, under stable jockey Ruby Walsh.

Walsh was at his patient best on the French bred gelding, moving to the front before the final fence for a length and a half win over Usuel Smurfer

Mullins later stated "the conditions of this race suited him well and he jumped well considering he got an awful fall the last day in Limerick when running a really good race there.

"I was hoping if he got over that fall that he'd have a chance and thankfully it worked out. I don't know where we will go from here but we'll look out of a winners' of two novice chase.

"I'm happy with him over that trip or two and a half mile for the time being, it probably just gives him more time to jump and get his confidence back. Ruby said he tried to pull himself up when he got to the front so we might put cheekpieces on him the next time to keep him concentrated."

Mullins' Escape Footwear was successful at the venue on Friday while Walsh was steering his third winner of the festival.

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Donal Murphy