Rio completes double for Mullins

Rio Vivas completed a double on the card for Willie Mullins, as he took the concluding Come Racing At Navan April 7th (Pro/Am) Flat Race.

Placed in two point-to-point's for the late Willie Codd, the son of Voix Du Nord finished third on his debut for Mullins at Thurles in November.

Having opened on-course at 5/2 today, he proved easy to back, and eventually went off a 7/2 chance in the colours of Sullivan Bloodstock Limited.

Settled in mid-division by Patrick Mullins, the bay victor moved into a close fourth as they entered the straight. He was pushed along to lead just over a furlong out, and soon stretched clear, going on to score easily by ten lengths. Cuneo finished second under Declan Lavery for Henry de Bromhead at 5/1, while newcomer Where Eagles Dare (8s to 5s on-course) was a further half a length back in third for Nina Carberry and Noel Meade. Mount Pelier was sent off the 9/4 favourite (from 3s), and he finished a disappointing fourth under Mark O'Hare for Alan Fleming.

Willie Mullins said afterwards: "That's more like the horse we hoped we had. He was very disappointing his last run and we gave him a little break, and he seems to have matured for that.

"He's a big, staying chaser in the making. He might get another run in a bumper before he's put out to grass but he's definitely a winter horse rather than one to continue on through the summer with."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards interviewed Mr D.T. Kelly, rider of Russian Soldier concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g) in that he had used his whip with his arm above shoulder height. Having taken his previous record in this regard into account, the Stewards cautioned him.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee