Willie matches Aidan with Killarney four-timer

After an across the cards four-timer at Killarney and Kilbeggan yesterday, Willie Mullins made it a Killarney four-timer on Saturday when 11/4 favourite Rock Road landed the featured Tote-sponsored Grade B handicap chase.

The ten-year-old, 16lbs higher in the ratings than when easily winning the Mayo National at Ballinrobe on his previous chase start, made headway from three out, got past long-time leader The Dara Man after the last and kept on well to beat Exit Poll by a length and half. Ferdia edged stablemate The Dara Man out of third place late on.

Winning rider Brian Hayes said: "I won on him in the past for Michael Bowe and when he was finished with him recommended him to me. I recommended him to Patrick Mullins who got an owner for him and he has since won four times. Kieran Callaghan won the Mayo National on him so he has been a good horse for the yard.

"I was flat out today and was barely hanging in there but he threw in a good jump at the fifth last and it got him into the race and I was able to fill him up turning in. His ability kicked in up the home straight.

"It is more blacktype for the family, for the mare Sweet Kiln and is great for the Bowes too."

Quotes from Tom Weekes