Belle Metal and Patrick Mullins© Photo Healy Racing
Willie Mullins doubled up in the finale at Limerick, the Listed Kevin McManus Bookmaker Champion (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race courtesy of the Soldier Of Fortune filly, Belle Metal in the hands of the trainer’s son Patrick.
The Naas winner, starting off this afternoon for owner Kenny Alexander, was always looking good through the two miler, with Mullins junior down to eleven stone one for the spin.
The 8/13 favourite went to the rail, impeding eventual fifth placer Boothen Boy when going for home about a furlong out. The winning jockey escaped with a caution for the incident.
Belle Metal went on to beat newcomer Powpowfizz by eight lengths.
"She is not very big but handles that soft ground - it is tough going. She stays very well and stamina is her forte,” said Patrick Mullins.
"It is great to get black-type for the new owners so I imagine we might look at Punchestown now.
"I did the weight (11st1lbs) but won't be doing it again for a while!"
The Stewards enquired into possible interference about one furlong from the finish involving Boothen Boy, ridden by Mr J.J. Codd, placed fifth and Belle Metal, ridden by Mr P.W. Mullins, placed first, where it appeared that Belle Metal tightened Boothen Boy who was racing close to the running rail.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.
Mr J.J. Codd stated that Belle Metal came in through greeness when she hit the front.
Mr P.W. Mullins stated that he tried his best to keep his mount straight but she was tired on the very heavy ground.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards made no alteration to the Judges placings.
They were,however,of the opinion that Mr P.W. Mullins had ridden carelessly this being a breach of Rule 214. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards cautioned Mr P.W. Mullins on this occasion.
Mr M.F. O'Donoghue absented himself from this enquiry and was replaced by Mr Michael Daly.
The earlier Closutton winner was Yukon Lil under Paul Townend.
(TW & EM)
