Mullins eyes Listed race for newcomer Williamstowndancer

Williamstowndancer made a winning start for Willie and Patrick Mullins in the mares' bumper at Punchestown.

The prominent racer was there to be shot at inside the final quarter of a mile as she came under the whip with A Law Of Her Own seemingly going the better upsides.

However, Williamstowndancer availed of the far rail and found more than her rival on the run to the final furlong.

The 2/1 favourite kept it up as she drew two and a quarter lengths clear of A Law Of Her Own (9/1 - 13/2) at the winning post. The second came in three and a half lengths clear of Mollys Mango (3/1).

Willie Mullins said: “I was very impressed with that. She doesn't do anything very fast at home but she's always there at the end of her work and she showed the same today.

“I thought she was going to be swallowed up two-and-a-half furlongs down but she just kept going and the further she went the better she kept going.

“I think I'm going to have a crack at one of those Listed mares' bumpers. We might give her a little break now and come back and have a go at one of those.

“Her pedigree suggests she wants nice ground, however, her stamina and demeanour at home tells me that she'll handle winter ground. I think her stamina will get her through winter ground.”

The Stewards interviewed Mr T. Hamilton, rider of fourth-placed Intertwine (FR), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he was in breach of the regulation and apologised. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that Mr. T. Hamilton was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g, excessive frequency. Having considered Mr. T. Hamilton's record in this regard the Stewards suspended Mr. T. Hamilton for one raceday.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson