AP signs off as JP takes the prize

There was no luck for Tony McCoy on what was most probably his last ride in Ireland as his mount Thomas Edison finished towards the rear in the Grade B Farmhouse Foods Handicap Hurdle.

That fellow's owner still had the winner though, in the shape of the Tom Mullins-trained and 'Slippers' Madden-ridden Some Article (20/1).

Another one in the green and gold, Draco shaped well up front for a time, but he'd cried enough by the time he came down at the last under Joseph O'Brien.

At that stage Some Article was coming with his bid as Clondaw Warrior went for home under David Casey.

However he was caught close home and beaten a neck by Some Article with two and a half lengths back to Sizing Codelco in third.

"He's had his troubles and if he'd stayed out of Naas he wouldn't have been the price he was. He's run two stinkers there and won't be going there again," explained Mullins.

"He won the Goffs Land Rover bumper a few years ago, and the drying ground helped today. More than likely he'll go chasing next year.

"If he comes out of this okay he could go to Punchestown but we won't be greedy. He should make a nice chaser as he's a big, strong horse."

Meanwhile Tony McCoy reflected: "It's sad that this is my last day riding in Ireland but hopefully I'll be allowed back to spectate in years to come! I think the lads in the weigh-room are happy to see me go!

"I've known lads like Ruby Walsh, Paul Carberry and David Casey for a long time, and I'll miss coming to Ireland. I'm flattered by all the attention that I've been given, and I've been just trying to keep my mind on the job.

"I'm hoping to be at Punchestown for a few days, and I was walking around JP's place this morning looking at plenty of nice young horses that I won't be able to ride over the next few years.

"I've no thoughts about training as my life has been very committed for the past 25 years and I want to have a bit of a life for the next 25."

R. Walsh, rider of Lucky Bridle trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran very free and did not jump fluently early on until settling after the third last flight from which point he only stayed on. He added that in his opinion he may need to race over a longer distance.

(AM & EM)