Extrapolation powers home under Mullins

Extrapolation proved his versatility as he added a beginners' chase in Ballinrobe to his collection of victories.

Prior to today, he had landed a point-to-point, a bumper, a maiden hurdle and a handicap hurdle.

Danny Mullins rode a stalking race on him as the duo kept their eyes on the leader, and favourite, Mighty Tom

Mullins guided him into the lead two out from Mighty Tom, who wasn't always fluent in his jumping in this race, and Extrapolation asserted by the last.

He stretched away on the run-in to win decisively by seven and a-half lengths at 3/1 from the 4/5 favourite.

Richard O'Brien said: "Coming here today it looked a hot beginners', but then the favourite (Zenta) came out. I still thought it would be a tough task against a 137-rated chaser in Mighty Tom, but he loves good ground like that and it's terrific to get the win.

"Danny (Mullins) has been very lucky for me and he was very impressed with how he jumped today. He jumps so well that he doesn't have to stay in novice company.

"There's a handicap chase at Killarney in July that I won a few years ago with horse called Azzuri and we could possibly target this fellow at that"

The drying ground saw Grade 1 winning hurdler Zenta scratched from this contest in a race that was reduced to seven runners from the 11 declared.

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan