Mullins finally gets there on Marlay Park

Good things come to those who wait and the connections of the very easy to back Marlay Park (9/2 out to 13/2) were rewarded for their patience as Danny Mullins got off the mark in the National Hunt sphere on the Shernazar gelding in the I.N.H. Stallion Owners European Breeders Fund Maiden Hurdle at Thurles today.

Twice a bumper winner, Barry Connell's eight-year-old was trying for the twelfth time to win a hurdle here but going up markedly in trip from recent efforts proved to be the making of him. He arrived from off the pace travelling really well, he led at the last and he was ridden clear to easily account for Up The Beat by four and a half lengths.

Winning trainer Mag Mullins said: "I'm absolutely delighted, that's a special win. Barry (Connell, who was present) has always been very good to us.

"I'm not sure what we'll do with the horse now but he'll continue over hurdles anyway. He was a bit unlucky not to win over jumps before now."