Perfect Gentleman and Patrick Mullins jump the final hurdle© Photo Healy Racing
Perfect Gentleman pulled away in good style to run out a convincing winner of the opening Munster Hurdle at Clonmel this afternoon.
The well-backed Indian File (9/4 this morning returned 13/8) took them along in the two-and-a-half mile contest but gave way at the penultimate flight.
Patrick Mullins sent Perfect Gentleman into the lead there and he galloped on strongly in the closing stages to prove four-and-a-quarter lengths too strong for the mare Our Katie
The Westener Boy kept on to grab third with Indian File fourth. Classy chaser Rubi Light proved a big disappointment as he dropped away before the second last to come home in rear.
The Willie Mullins-trained winner was making his first start since losing out to Gallant Tipp in a novice event at Thurles last November.
“He's been unlucky and should have won at Thurles the last day,” said the winning rider.
“Ideally he wants three miles on good ground. It's not that he doesn't handle heavy ground but he'll be better on better ground.
“I don't know what the plan is but I'd look forward to riding him over fences if he is not sold.”
Willie Mullins later added:-
“He's a lightly raced horse and I was pleased with that. He's entered in a few handicaps across the way and the Coral Cup might be the race for him.”
(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)
