Strutter scores on first start for Mullins

Strutter justified favouritism in what proved an incident-packed Grant Thornton Ladies Handicap Hurdle at Limerick.

Trained by Willie Mullins for John Neocleous, the five-year-old gelding was last seen winning at Uttoxeter in May for Nicky Henderson.

The 2/1 favourite was patiently ridden by Jody Townend and was poised to challenge when Sarah Beara and Doyen For A Drink both fell at the penultimate flight and Cooltubrid Eva was badly hampered and unseated her rider.

Strutter was soon left in front and kept on well on the run-in to beat Storm Mahler by six and a half lengths with My Friend The Wind a further five lengths back in third.

Townend said, “He settled better than I thought he was going to on the way to the start. I dropped him out and he was unbelievable to jump.

“I was able to keep taking him back and I was always happy. I knew when I wanted him he was going to jump into a position and they went plenty hard.

“He galloped to the line.”