Straightforward success for Illusion in Leopardstown finale

Royal Illusion made it three wins from five starts, as she took the concluding Leopardstown Members (Q.R) Maiden.

Successful in bumpers at Punchestown and Cork respectively, the Willie Mullins trained seven-year-old then finished third in a Listed contest at Cheltenham.

She was second to Tipitena on her Flat rules debut at Roscommon last month, and was expected to go one place better this evening, going off the 8/11 favourite.

Settled behind the leaders by Patrick Mullins, the daughter of King's Theatre took closer order from before the straight and edged to the front from the furlong pole.

Once ridden she extended her advantage, and went on to score by a length in the colours of Ballylinch Stud. Jerandme (5/1) finished second under Mark O'Hare for Noel Meade, while Act Of God (7/1) was another half a length back in third.

Patrick Mullins said afterwards: "King's Theatre mares, they're not making them any more unfortunately!"

"I think the ground was plenty quick for her and I was doing my best not to get her off the bridle for as long as I could.

"She travelled very well but didn't let down on the ground and I wouldn't be afraid to come back in trip. More give in the ground would also see her in a better light.

"She has Listed-placed black-type in bumpers and it would be great to get it on the flat too. I'm sure she'd also jump a hurdle in time too as she has schooled. Softer ground is what she needs."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes