Small Farm shows his worth in Mullins dominated finish

Willie Mullins saddled a 1-2 in the BRC McMahon Reinforcements Maiden Hurdle at Limerick with Small Farm (20/1 into 14/1) beating Voix Des Tiep (7/4 out to 2/1) by a neck.

They left Henry de Bromhead's well-backed favourite Minella Indo (13/8 into 5/4) nine lengths back in third in what turned out to be an exciting conclusion to the two and a half miler.

Under Katie O'Farrell Small Farm made a lot of the running and determinedly fought back on the run-in to fend off the Paul Townend-ridden Voix Des Tiep.

"That's my first winner in those colours (Sullivan Bloodstock Limited)," revealed O'Farrell.

When asked 'was it a surprise?' she said  "ya and no, because he is a big horse who probably lacks a gear but I wasn't worried about the ground and he'll bowl away at a nice galloping pace. 

"He has a good cruising speed and the one I was worried about did come and try and get me and thankfully my fella stuck it out and the conditions suited him."

A. McCurtin, rider of Amber And Black trained by John J. Walsh, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled on the ground.

At the request of the Stewards, S.W. Flanagan, rider of Where Eagles Dare trained by Noel Meade, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount never travelled.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Where Eagles Dare, trained by Noel Meade, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have evidence of kick back at both nostrils and gave a few coughs, but was otherwise post race normal.

(TW & EM)