Katie Walsh came in for the winning spare ride on Carrig Millie (replacing Andrew Lynch) in the Three Pat Taaffe H'cap Chase (Grade B) at Punchestown today.

Lynch injured an ankle in a final fence fall from Aupcharlie in the previous race but Walsh proved an able deputy, producing the mare to lead two out before staying on well for a two and a half lengths win over Wicklow Lad

Winning trainer Michael Cullen does well with his small string and mentioned “that's my second time winning this race, after American Jennie, but today I was very concerned about the ground. She had a lovely weight though and the form of those mares' races has been working out well.

“I felt she'd stay as she's bred to but you have to do it to prove it. She'll be kept in training next season and we might look for something like the Irish National with her.”

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee