Dream start by Flanagan for Mullins as sole mare beats the boys

The Grade B Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle at Listowel saw Sean Flanagan successfully deputise for Paul Townend on Dysart Diamond for owner/breeder Eleanor Manning and trainer Willie Mullins.

Champion jockey Townend suffered a shoulder injury in a fall from Port Stanley in a beginners chase here on Wednesday, and the recently married Flanagan stepped-in to have his first mount for Closutton on this occasion.

The Wexford man, and the only mare in the line-up, Dysart Diamond, proved a deadly combination. They crossed their hurdles with aplomb, keeping away from trouble to the outer to eventually account for Bua Boy and Wouldn’t You Agree by a length and a quarter and a head.

Cheltenham and Aintree hero Belfast Banter travelled well. He was chasing the leaders though well-held when falling at the last.

"I asked David Casey who was the best available, he said Sean so I took him and it was a nice spare," said Mullins.

"He took the outside route when things didn't go well at the start and it seemed to suit her and she jumped beautifully for him.

"We put a line through her Killarney run but she had a good run in Galway and has come back right today. I thought the ground would be too dead for today as the jockeys said it was dead ground after riding in the first. Maybe she is just improving.

"It is great for Eleanor and Shane Manning."

Regarding Townend, he added: "Paul has a dislocated shoulder and I don't know how long it is going to take and Paul doesn't know either. Sometimes you make a quick recovery, that's what we're hoping, other times it takes a bit longer.

"He is going to see a specialist early next week."

(TW & EM)