Power prevails under McCullagh for Mullins

Powersville sprang a 16/1 surprise in the Foran Equine Irish EBF Auction Race, scoring under Niall McCullagh for Tom Mullins and his wife Helen.

Bought by Mullins for just E2,500 last September, the daughter of Frozen Power got off the mark on her fourth start at Navan earlier this month.

She finished sixth of twelve behind Solar Wave at Fairyhouse on Wednesday, and turned out again quickly here she was settled behind the leaders.

The 7/4 favourite Would You Believe was battling it out in front over a furlong out, with the winner just in behind.

Something then went amiss with the Ger Lyons trained market leader and he was quickly pulled up, leaving Powersville with a clear run to challenge.

She was ridden to the front inside the final 100 yards, and kept on best from there to see off the effort of Sunday Smart by a head.

The runner-up was returned at 14/1 under Ronan Whelan for Patrick Prendergast, while The Broghie Man (10s last night and from 4s to 7/2 on-course) was another length and a half back in third with Kevin Manning aboard for Brendan Duke.

Mullins said afterwards: "She told me that I'd under cooked her at Fairyhouse. She needed the run and was bucking and kicking since she ran on Wednesday, so we said we'd take a chance and come here today. Thankfully it's worked out.

"I was minding her too much, and Niall said she was a lot easier handled today. She was very gassy in Fairyhouse and it was a rotten day as well.

"Maybe she will come back here for the (final of the series) big pot but Niall said she would have to be ridden to get seven. She just handled the ground today. There are plenty of races for her, and I might even go for black type rather than the big pot."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Apple Anni trained by Mick Channon (in GB), at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee