Mullins' second-string wins Punchestown's opener

Last season's Punchestown festival runner-up Milo Lises (9/1) returned to form at that racecourse today, narrowly landing the opening Best Odds Guaranteed At Bet Victor Maiden Hurdle as champion trainer Willie Mullins' second-string.

Runner-up in the valuable and often informative Goffs Defender Bumper on debut last April, Milo Lises was beaten 19 lengths at Tramore on New Year's Day and then flopped badly when beaten 85 lengths at Limerick in January.

Ridden by Brian Hayes today, Milo Lises made good headway entering the home straight and while leader Faulty s error at the final flight proved costly, the winner battled for his neck win.

Mullins' stable jockey Paul Townend opted to ride stablemate Maroto (16/5), which was well beaten when a final-flight faller.

Mullins reported “it's taken him a while to learn how to put it together. We decided to change tactics today and dropped him in a bit further back. I think it probably helped a lot in the very testing ground.

“The horses that were up there found it difficult and he probably just came with a wet sail at the end.

“That's pleasing as his pedigree suggests he should be better on better ground. He's probably just learning his trade and coming right at the right time of the year. We could look at Fairyhouse over Easter or back here at Punchestown with him. He's probably one we'll keep going for the summer as well.

“His bumper form was very good and that's why I think he will be better on better ground. It was a little bit of a surprise to win on that ground.”

Quotes from Gary Carson