Koshari makes it three for Mullins

Koshari might have got the last wrong but he was still good enough to bring up a treble on Ladies Day at Punchestown for Willie Mullins, in the Star Best For Racing Coverage Novice Hurdle. For owners Rich and Susannah Ricci it was two on the day, and it was the same for successful rider Paul Townend.

A son of Walk In The Park, like Douvan, Koshari (7/4) was starting off for Mullins off a 125 day break since a win in France.

He stayed on too powerfully on the run-in to see off stable companion Bello Conti (5/4 favourite) and Three Wise Men (admirable effort) by a length and a half and the same.

The other Mullins winners were Avant Tout (Townend) and Vroum Vroum Mag (Ruby Walsh for the Riccis).

Thankfully Alamein and David Mullins seemed okay after the horse stumbled and unseated after being headed before the straight.

"He was very green. I just wanted to get a run into him to see what we had before we put him out. He doesn't look too bad," said Mullins.

"I don't know how good or bad he is but he looks a nice model and of course he's by Walk In The Park.

"He's not four until the end of May. He'll probably stay hurdling next season rather than go chasing."

The Stewards fined A.J.Martin, trainer, €65 for failing to fit a tongue tie to Fire In His Eyes prior to entering the parade ring.

The Stewards enquired into the fall of Alamein, ridden by D.J. Mullins on the final bend. D.J. Mullins reported that in his opinion he had racing room but his mount caught the heel of Koshari (Fr), stumbled and unseated him. Having considered the evidence and viewed a recording of that area of the race, the Stewards took no further action

(GC & EM)