Mummy Derry completes Punchestown double for Mullins A half-sister to dual Grade 1 winner Spillane's Tower, Mummy Derry justified 1/2 favouritism (4/5 early) in the concluding Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares INH Flat Race, completing a double for Willie Mullins. Beaten by three quarters of a length on debut at Galway last month, the Paul Byrne-owned bay was expected to go a place better today. Kept wide for much of the contest under Patrick Mullins, the Noreen McManus-bred four-year-old tracked the leaders early before improving to the front approaching halfway. Brought across to the rail and ridden with over a furlong to go, she found plenty for pressure, holding off the effort of Lau And Shaz (11/4) by two lengths. There was another two and three quarters of a length back to Madam Jess in third, with this one returned an 8/1 chance from 40s early. "I'd say the advantage of a recent run made the difference," the winning rider commented. "She's obviously well bred but is not particularly quick so going out in trip will help. "We might try and get some black type in bumpers this season and maybe go jumping next season. "Unfortunately, Paul and his mother are stuck in traffic on the M50. This horse is named after his grandmother so it's a pity that they missed it. "Being a Yeats I think she’ll go on softer ground." Willie Mullins was earlier successful with Mister Pink, his only other runner on this seven race programme. STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident approximately two furlongs from the finish involving Love As Always, ridden by Mr B.J. Walsh, placed sixth, and Murphy Place, ridden by Mr E. Finegan, placed fifth, where it appeared interference had occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr B.J. Walsh stated that as he struck his mount she hung violently left. Mr E. Finegan stated that he was coming with his run when he was carried out off the bend. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found Mr B.J. Walsh, was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his clean record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended him for three racedays. * The Raceday Stewards enquired from Mr O.T. Gilligan, rider of Minimongous, trained by Paul John Gilligan, who was unseated on the flat in this race. Mr O.T. Gilligan reported that his mount sustained an injury to its hind leg and he was unseated independently of any other horse. Having viewed the recording and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. * Mr B.J. Walsh, rider of Love As Always, trained by Barry John Walsh, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung out on the home bend. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
