"Crying out for fences" - Perfect Gentleman with Patrick Mullins up© Photo Healy Racing
Much like his stable-companion, City Slicker in the first, it all came together well for the Willie Mullins-trained Perfect Gentleman in the Kids Go Free Maiden Hurdle, race two on the programme at Punchestown.
A bumper winner on heavy ground at Cork on his debut at the start of last year, but without success since, that all changed for the Patrick Mullins-ridden Perfect Gentleman here as he scored comfortably by seven lengths from Golden Wonder having taken over entering the straight.
"I said to Patrick there that we'd probably school him next week and I think he's crying out for fences.
"He'll probably keep going now as long as the ground is right," commented Mullins senior of his wife, Jackie's eight-year-old. Moscow Chief (8s into 9/2) was 'punted' here but having had every chance he eventually had to 'make do' with fourth place. (AM & EM)
