Impressive Charbel now two from two

Charbel made it two from two in the bumper at Limerick, the Listed Kevin McManus Bookmaker Flat Race, as he ran out an easy winner under Patrick Mullins for his uncle Tom.

The four-year-old son of Iffraaj won on debut at Leopardstown in February and he was widely expected to follow up today as he was sent to post the 8/15 favourite.

Having tracked the leaders in the early stages he race keenly and wandered with a circuit to race. He was quickly straightened up settled in fourth.

He cruised into contention approaching the straight and Patrick Mullins never had to move a muscle as he coasted to the front a furlong out before stretching clear to score by three and a half lengths. Tokenella (16/1) ran a fine race to finish second under Jane Mangan for Joe O'Keeffe while the Gordon Elliott trained newcomer Eagle Passing was a further six lengths back in third.

Tom Mullins, who trains the gelding for his sister Sandra McCarthy, said afterwards: "I got a fright with a circuit to go but Patrick was very good to get him back on an even keel.

"If the race hasn't left a mark, he'll go to Punchestown for the Champion Bumper, if not he'll be left off."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes