Patrick just one away from equalling record

Patrick Mullins is now just one winner away from equalling the amateur rider's record tally in a calendar year, as he partnered City Slicker to win the last at Fairyhouse this afternoon, the Merry Christmas from Fairyhouse INH Flat Race.

Sent off the 10/11 favourite, the 4yo son of King’s Theatre had just one run to his name before today, finishing a well beaten fourth behind Ned Buntline in a bumper at Naas last month.

Having raced in mid-division for much of the contest, he made progress into fourth from two furlongs out and was ridden to lead a furlong and a half from home.

He stayed on well in the final furlong to record a comfortable seven and a half-length success from Lady Of Glencoe in second at 10/1 under Jane Mangan for Dessie Hughes.

The Claire Cannon trained newcomer Whinstone Dee finished a further two and three parts of a length back in third under Nina Carberry at 14/1.

Willie Mullins, who of course was recording a double, said afterwards: "He disappointed at Naas but he just wasn’t ready for it and the run put him right.

"He looked to have a nice turn of foot there and he will go for a winners bumper now. That is my first winner for John Magnier."

The winner is a full-brother to the smart Carrigmartin and was purchased for €135,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland Derby National Hunt Sale in June of last year.

City Slicker is now just 12/1 (from 25's) with Stan James for the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham in March.

(Additional reporting by Gary Carson)