Paul Townend and Upsie after a mistake at the last in Cork© Photo Healy Racing
Upsie maintained her unbeaten record but not without a few hurdling scares in the opener at Cork.
The 9/10 favourite cut out the running ahead of her three opponents in this two mile rated race. Second favourite Il Fenomeno was the only rival able to go with her, but the pair put in some sketchy jumps at the business end.
Il Fenomeno was awkward at the second last which left him struggling to reel in Upsie. However, Upsie then blundered through the last, but was quickly brought back to an even keel by Paul Townend to win by four and a half lengths.
“She had a look around when she was in front. If she had a bit of company it would have been better. It wasn’t necessarily the plan to go on, but around here it seems to suit,” Paul Townend reported.
“She overjumped at the last and she attacked the first few hurdles and then had a look at one [very slow at the fourth]. It’s just one of those things.”
Willie Mullins said: "Jumping is not her forte. We’ve done a fair bit with her. Obviously she has lots of ability and if we could just improve her jumping she’d be very very decent. She is decent but her jumping lets her down.”
Il Fenomeno (2/1 from 3/1 in the betting ring) got second-placed money. It was 26 lengths back to Bridgets Pet in third.
French-bred Upsie, a five-year-old mare, is now three from three over hurdles. She has an entry in the Grade 1 Hatton’s Grace Hurdle in Fairyhouse on December 1st.
This win gave trainer Willie Mullins an across-the-card double having won the first in Punchestown with Faugheen
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
