Coquin Mans maintained his unbeaten record in the Island (QR) Race at Listowel although those who supported the long odds on favourite had a few moments of worry before collecting.

The 1/4 chance travelled well on the heels of the leaders but Patrick Mullins needed to get serious to strike the front over a furlong out.

The French import, now unbeaten in five starts, only got on top in the closing stages to beat Ask Susan by two and a quarter lengths.

Winning trainer Willie Mullins said, “He ran very cold there whereas in his hurdle races he takes a huge grip and Ruby can hardly hold him. That’s why we have a hood and a chifney on him.

“It’s obviously the hurdles that light him up rather than racing. Patrick said when he picked him up he wasn’t sure what was going to happen. He thought he was going to win easy and then he didn’t pick up.

“Maybe in these flat races we can leave all the gear off him.”