Lasparas wins bumper for Mullins and Townend

Lasparas (4/9 fav, shortening from 8/11 on the show) was a ready winner of the Kilbarry (Ladies Pro/Am) Flat Race in the hands of Jody Townend.

A bit keen early on, Townend let her mount stride on and he travelled nicely at the head of affairs throughout. He was just pushed out in the closing stages to account for Time Gents (33/1) by two and three quarter lengths.

Making a winning start here for Willie Mullins, the Gentlewave gelding won a point-to-point for Jamie Sloan last year and is owned by Ronnie Bartlett in partnership with Dai Walters.

"It wasn't really the plan to go off in front but I just left him gallop away," said Townend.

“I was happy enough that no one took me on. He quickened coming out of the dip and he was nice. He is a big, tall horse and I don't know if he would want the ground much quicker than that.

"That's five winners so far this season and long may it continue. I have two winners left on the seven-pound claim."

Quotes from Donal Murphy