Magic double puts Mullins back in driving seat

A remarkable Punchestown Grade 1 double for record breaking amateur rider Patrick Mullins put his father Willie back in the driving seat in the race to be champion trainer 2016/17. Bacardys win in the Tattersalls Ireland Champion Novice Hurdle now sees Paddy Power quote the Closutton maestro at odds of 1/5 to retain his crown (77,420 Euros in front).

Thirty five minutes on from Wicklow Brave s win in the Champion Hurdle, here in this two and a half miler Bacardys and Patrick Mullins pounced on a slightly slow leap by favourite Finian's Oscar at the final flight.

Robbie Power tried valiantly to retain the unbeaten record of the Potts-owned and Colin Tizzard-trained Finian's Oscar but he eventually had to yield and a short head split them at the line.

There was seven lengths back to Gordon Elliott's Death Duty in third.

Mullins also had the fourth, fifth and seventh, Let's Dance Bleu Berry and Kemboy

Unfortunately Runfordave reportedly took a fatal fall at the third last.

Another fantastic finish, and what a day for Willie and Patrick Mullins - Bacardys wins the @tatts_ireland Champion Novice Hurdle! pic.twitter.com/0luy482gtn

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 28, 2017

Patrick Mullins said: "It didn't quite go to plan. The plan was to follow Ruby but he just jumped a bit high and to his left and lost his position but all credit to the horse to be able to come from where he did.

"The owners have been super to let me ride the horse and the last few weeks I have been hitting the crossbar. It's funny how things have turned around.

"If the amateur championship was on prize-money I'd be alright but I'm three behind (Jamie Codd) with four rides left so hopefully we can keep things going.

Willie Mullins explained: "I thought the race was over when Robert (Power) hit the front but once again he measured the last and he got up. I thought it was a fantastic ride. Two Grade 1s in just over half-an-hour - what a day!

"I wouldn't let him ride if he wasn't good enough. He's able to think out a race in mid-race and change plans. He's just very good, and has been at it long enough."

The Stewards interviewed Mr P.W. Mullins, rider of Bacardys (FR), concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that Mr P.W. Mullins was in breach of R10(3)(f) by using his whip with excessive force and frequency and also R(10)(4) by failing to give his mount time to respond to the whip. Having taken his previous record into consideration the Stewards suspended Mr P.W. Mullins for 2 racedays.

(AM & EM)