Mullins doubles-up with Spider Web

After winning the third with Grand Partner Tom Mullins doubled his tally as Spider Web took the feature at Leopardstown this afternoon, the Grade B TRI Equestrian Handicap Chase.

Successful over the course and distance in December, the son of Presenting since finished sixth to Folsom Blue in the Grand National Trial at Punchestown.

Back in trip today he was available at 8/1 in a place this morning, opening on-course at just 4s, before going off the 7/2 favourite.

Settled in mid-division on the inner, the Mark Enright ridden victor took closer order from three out and was nudged along to challenge on the run to the last.

He got to the front shortly after that fence, and was ridden out on the run-in, going on to score by a length and three parts. Uncle Danny (7/1), who blundered at the last when leading, kept on again to take second under Andrew Lynch for John Queally, while Blast Of Koeman (4/1) was a further four lengths back in third with Phillip Enright in the saddle for Robert Tyner.

Mark Enright said afterwards: "He was very good, jumped well and battled it out well in the straight.

"I'd say that ground is key to him as it suited him a lot more than others. He only had ten stone on his back and was getting weight off nearly everything which is a big help on the ground in those races."

The winner was distressed and didn't come back into the winners' enclosure after the race.

Tom Mullins later stated: "He's calm now and his heart is back to normal. He was distressed after running at Punchestown the last day but he's not distressed now.

"Now that he's done that he may go back home for a break."

JP McManus owns Spider Web, and he was also completing a double on the card, having won the opener with Jezki

STEWARDS REPORTS

Owing to ground conditions, the Stewards granted permission for the 9th fence to be omitted in this race and for the remainder of the card.

D.N. Russell, rider of Jetstream Jack trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his saddle slipped in running.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Spider Web trained by Thomas Mullins was found to have blood at the nose following exercised induced pulmonary haemorrhage.

The Stewards enquired into an incident on the approach to the last involving Blast Of Koeman, ridden by P.T. Enright and Spider Web, ridden by M.A. Enright. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards took no further action.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee