Galway Plate next on the agenda for Blackstair

Dual Grade 1 winner Blackstairmountain made a successful return to the level as he took the Meath Farm Machinery Race for Qualified Riders for his trainer Willie Mullins with his son Patrick in the saddle.

The 7yo son of Imperial Ballet won his maiden on the level back in July of 2009 at the Galway Festival but has since raced over hurdles and fences.

Back under Flat rules this evening he was sent off the 4/9 favourite and he didn’t let down his supporters coming with his challenge a furlong from home on the outside before racing clear to win easily by ten lengths. Asiya ran well on her first start of 2012 to finish second for her trainer Norman Cassidy at 4/1.

Winning rider Patrick Mullins said afterwards: "He is just a class above. When he stays on the bridle he runs well on that ground. It’s soft ground out there for jumps horses.

"He is a very consistent horse. He goes for the Galway Plate now and this was his prep run. The Galway Plate has been a lucky race for the owners (won it last year with Blazing Tempo) and he will take a bit of beating there."

(On-course reporting by Michael Graham)