Winning spare for Mullins as Golden makes the breakthrough

Danny Mullins picked up a winning spare ride in the PAQ IT Handicap Hurdle, as Golden Sandbanks made the breakthrough over flights.

A good fourth on his most recent start over hurdles, the Paul Flynn trained gelding since failed to make an impact on the level at Ballinrobe and Leopardstown respectively.

Available at 9/1 in early shows, the Havana Gold brown came in for plenty of market support and eventually went off the 9/2 second favourite.

Never far off the pace and keen in the early stages, he led from four out. Pushed along and pressed before the final flight, he was soon left clear, going on to score by three-and-a-half lengths. He's Leading Me On (10/3f) had to settle for minor honours yet again, with this Leslie Young trained gelding finishing well to take second. Atlas (33/1) was a further five lengths away in third, while Western Doyen (14/1) completed the places back in fourth.

Boston Brahim was the one who crashed out at the last when still in with every chance.

"The race was ideal for him. He needs good ground and with the watering, just got away it," Flynn said.

"I gave the wrong instructions the last day and we dropped him in too far. The form of that Roscommon race has actually worked out well and he ran on the Flat in between, but likes to keep interested jumping.

"He should win again but mightn't be staying with me long and could go back to Iain Jardine. I recommended he could be suited to the UK."

The winner is a half-brother to Stayers Hurdle winner Penhill and Flynn joked: "He doesn't know that - someone should tell him!"

Keith Donoghue was originally due to ride Golden Sandbanks but was stood down for the day due to being unwell.

STEWARDS REPORTS

G.P. Brouder, rider of Uppertown Mya trained by Mary Ellen Doyle, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung badly left.

K.E Buckley, rider of Joyful Noise trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount clipped a heel at the bend past the stands.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes