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- Winks wins the last under Quinlan for Mullins
Donal Murphy
Winks wins the last under Quinlan for Mullins
Forty One Winks is ridden out by Liam Quinlan
© Photo Healy Racing
Tony Mullins now has Galway in mind for Forty One Winks after he claimed the concluding Add KilbegganRaces On Snapchat INH Flat Race.
Well-beaten on his first two starts at Fairyhouse and Leopardstown respectively, the son of Getaway was available at 10/1 in a place this morning, before going off at just 3s.
Settled towards rear on outer by Liam Quinlan, the bay five-year-old took closer order with a circuit left to race.
He got to the front with three furlongs to go, and was briefly headed by Gotthenod over a furlong from home, soon regaining the lead before going on to score comfortably, by four and a quarter lengths.
Gotthenod had to settle for second under Simon Cavanagh for Dot Love at 12/1, while Russian Solider (6/1) was three parts of a length back in third. Mid Day Gun was sent off the 4/5 favourite, and he finished a disappointing fifth with Patrick Mullins aboard for his father Willie.
"He just couldn't handle the winter ground. He might when he's older," said the winning handler.
"He's out of a full-sister to Glens Melody so he has the pedigree.
"His rider there, who I think a lot of, was impressed with him. If the ground came up right we might go for the winners bumper in Galway.
"I'd certainly be thinking he's a much better horse than an ordinary summer bumper winner.
"Liam said there was no problem and even when the other horse came to him all he had to do was click. Hopefully he can do that in a better race!"
Additional reporting by Gary Carson