Sligo double for Ryan and Mullins Draycott Place atoned for an unfortunate unseat at the Listowel festival when annihilating his six rivals in the Joe Henry Memorial Handicap Chase to bring up a Sligo double for John Ryan and Danny Mullins. Earlier on the score-sheet with narrow first race victor Presenting Mahler, it was altogether easier for 13/8 favourite Draycott Place in race four. The Black Russian endeavoured to make all under Rachael Blackmore. However there was no living with Draycott Place from before the straight. Always highly regarded by Ryan, Draycott Place asserted from before the last to win his fifth race, and first since April 2015, by thirteen lengths from Sean Airgead. "He's had a lot of trouble with his palate. He'd a job done at Anglesey Lodge, and fair play to all the team there as it's made a big difference," stated Ryan. "He's probably one of the best horses that I've trained. "This was a weak enough contest, and he'd hate that ground. He can handle soft ground but this is a different thing altogether." The County Tipperary handler has now equalled his best tally of eleven winners from last season. The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Pumbaa, trained by Colin Bowe, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have burst blood vessels. M.P. Walsh, rider of Pumbaa trained by Colin Bowe, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was pulled up during this race having burst blood vessels. (AM & EM)
