Navan eye-catcher wins for Mullins & Hayes

Navan eye-catcher Frere Tuck landed the Punchestown Maiden Hurdle at that Co Kildare venue today as the Willie Mullins trained gelding scored in a first-time tongue-tie, under replacement jockey Brian Hayes.

Navan's stewards noted jockey Paul Townend's explanation that Frere Tuck, who had been eased for most of the home straight when flying home for fourth-place, 'made a noise all the way up the home straight' and today, 43 days later, reappeared with a tongue-tie fitted.

Champion Jockey Townend missed today's racing having been injured at Fairyhouse yesterday, and was replaced by Brian Hayes who produced the French bred son of Secret Singer to lead approaching the last before beating Hurricane Flicc by three and a quarter lengths.

Afterwards Willie Mullins stated “he choked the last day and the tongue tie made a big difference to him today.

“Better ground would suit him well as he progresses through his career and he’d have no problem going back up in trip.”

“Paul was sore after his fall yesterday and I said to him this morning that I’d prefer he’d rest rather than come here today especially with the first two races being Graded ones.

“There is important races coming up and I’m hoping he’ll be back next weekend. I didn’t put him on anything tomorrow or Tuesday.”

Quotes from Alan Magee