The big money Connolly's RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Hurdle Series Final, due to have been run here at the festival earlier in the year, saw Funky Dady spring a 33/1 surprise this afternoon in event two at Punchestown.

In this 65,000 Euro heat, winning jockey Shane Mulcahy attained the biggest success of his career, taking a patient approach for his boss, Denis Hogan, aboard the Final Reminder Syndicate-owned Funky Dady.

The pace was strong up front and the waiting tactics on the successful French-bred youngster paid a dividend as he eventually accounted for the staying on Barnaviddaun by two and a half lengths. There was three parts of a length to Dime A Dozen in third.

"Coming off the last day I'd have been very happy if he had finished in the first five, but he came out of it in super form,” said Mulcahy.

"We went very very quick early-on and I actually couldn't lie up but the further I was going the better I was starting to travel. When he hit the front he idled for a couple of strides but in fairness put his head down and galloped to the line.

"The ground isn't much worse than yielding and thankfully he handled it.

"That's my biggest win and I'm based with Denis (Hogan) full-time."

The Stewards interviewed D.J. Mullins, rider of Barnaviddaun, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.

Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that D.J. Mullins was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g)(frequency) and having considered his record, they cautioned him on this occasion.

J.P. O'Sullivan, rider of Happie Days trained by Thomas Gibney, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled and was pulled up.

(TW & EM)