Morning Royalty tastes glory

Morning Royalty turned Punchestown’s bumper into a procession as he made all under Patrick Mullins to score by 17 lengths for Patrick’s father Willie.

The four-year-old by King’s Theatre was sent off 5/4 favourite and was followed home some time later by Ted Veale from the Tony Martin yard. Ted Veale was the subject of a morning gamble from 8/1 to 13/2. He opened 5/1 at the track and his SP was 4/1. He made good headway to move into second in the straight but was never able to challenge the winner. Star Of Massini took third for Edward O’Grady, a further 13 lengths away at 6/1.

Willie Mullins said: “He looked like he needed the run the last day [third at Thurles on November 3]. We were worried about the ground but Patrick said he handled it well and he’ll probably go jumping now. "

Jockey Conor Murphy was suspended for four days for using his whip when out of contention on Millieann who finished eighth.

There was money for Dushybeg – 16/1 in the morning, opened 12s on course and was returned at 9/1. However the money was misplaced on this occasion as he came home sixth beaten just over 40 lengths.

Michael Graham