Barnaviddaun "a well deserved winner"

David Mullins had his third winner back from serious injury when capturing the Connolly’s RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle at Downpatrick for his father Tom on Barnaviddaun

Fresh from his big race success on Zero Ten at Thurles yesterday, Grand National winning jockey Mullins had the 9/2 victor in front after three out. Hesamanofhisword came home well, but failed by half a length to catch Barnaviddaun.

The free-going strong favourite, Vinnie Is Busy (bad mistake second), ended up three and a quarter lengths back in third.

"He was good. His last two runs were probably a bit sharp for him around Leopardstown, and I was only getting to know him around Fairyhouse," said David Mullins.

"He stays well and is a big chaser in the making.

"He's a well deserved winner and it is great for his owner.

"There's no soft in the ground - it is yielding ground, no worse."

Barnaviddaun is owned by Laura Graffin, wife of Turf Club official and former amateur jockey, Paddy.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined All About Joe trained by C.A.Murphy, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have skin abrasions to his right fore leg and also lame post race.

(MG & EM)