Prince De Beauchene and Patrick Mullins clear the last© Photo Healy Racing
Prince De Beauchene and Two Rockers traded blows from an early stage, of the Best Of Luck Ballyhale Shamrocks Tetratema Cup Hunters Chase. The former eventually easily came out on top at Gowran, to give Patrick Mullins a first win in the long-standing staying test.
The other six contenders didn't really count at any stage, Willie Mullins, and Declan Queally, on Two Rockers, still waiting to play their cards into the straight.
Two Rockers was immediately beaten after pecking badly at the third last, and Queally 'sat up' from two out as the sweet-travelling Prince De Beauchene (4/7) extended away.
Two Rockers eventually got rid of his rider at the final fence, and that left Pals Leg to follow home Prince De Beauchene, at a distance of no less than sixty two lengths.
Winning trainer Willie Mullins commented: "He did it the hard way. He was very free but jumped great. He'd a hard race as they took each other on from the start.
"He's in the Grand National and Patrick and the lads (Prince and Paupers Syndicate) will decide if he goes there, or the other option is to go to Fairyhouse and Punchestown."
The syndicate are a group of Patrick Mullins' school friends.
Of course the Closutton team also sent over Babylone Des Motte to win at Sandown.
The Stewards received a report from Mr.W.Fleming , Turf Club Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that Mr E.M. O'Sullivan , rider of Pals Leg , weighed in at 1.9 lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that the rider was in breach of Rule 231 and they therefore suspended him for one race day.
(AM & EM)
