Perfect start over hurdles for Charlie Mullins The John Thomas McNamara Series QR Maiden Hurdle went to the 5/2 favourite Dads Lad who gave Willie Mullins a double on the card after Ciel De Neige in the opener. Placed in four bumpers and runner-up on his hurdling debut at Downpatrick, the 6-year-old wasn’t foot perfect over the obstacles but came through to lead after the last and stayed on well to beat Patricks Hill by a length and three quarters. It was a fifth winner for 17-year-old Charlie Mullins who was also victorious in the first leg of this eight-race series at Clonmel last month when winning a Flat handicap on his father Tom’s Excelsius. The winning rider remarked: "He travelled a bit keen at the start. I sat in behind the leaders and he picked up lovely for me. “I’d say he’d even want a bit further. He was fine on the ground, he prefers it soft. “That was my first ride over hurdles and thanks to Willie for giving me the opportunity”
