Nt Field Minnesota © Photo Healy Racing
Wille Mullins landed the Moriarty's Gap Of Dunloe Beginners' Chase for the fourth consecutive year when Nt Field Minnesota (12/1) bounced back to form under Paul Townend.
Leo McArdle's Flemensfirth mare, a point-to-point winner for Colin Bowe, had been pulled up over hurdles on her previous outing at Galway. Here, on chase debut, she tracked the leaders and came wide up the home straight to hit the front two out before being ridden out to hold Noble Birth by a length-and-a-half.
It was a quick and generously-priced double for Mullins after Just For Love (9/1) in the previous race.
"It was a big step up from what she had done and her jumping was her main asset," said Townend.
"She jumped her way into the race without having to do anything and had three good jumps up the straight, which were a help.
"She had point-to-point experience and a flatter track helped as well, although I won't repeat what I said to him (Mullins) after she ran in Galway!"
Quotes from Tom Weekes
