Pilbara and Patrick Mullins (near side) jump the last upsides Double Windsor before winning the 3m handicap hurdle© Photo Healy Racing
21lbs extra didn’t stop Red Kelly in the Ulster Derby this afternoon, and Pilbara (8/13 fav) overcame a 20lbs rating hike in the Pencil Hill Handicap Hurdle.
After the form of his gambled-on Tipperary win was boosted in the previous contest by My Lovely Boy the Tiger Groom gelding travelled well throughout and tracked Double Windsor down to the last.
The latter got a quicker jump at that final flight and Patrick Mullins had to get to work on the favourite, but his mount fund enough to win snugly by a neck at the line.
The runner-up, fourth to Pilbara at Tipperary, made a bold bid to capitalise on the turnaround in the weights but Emmet Mullins’ charge still had a bit up his sleeve.
The winning rider said: "I thought I was beaten turning in and I was trying to nurse him, nurse him and we missed the last when the other horse flew it. But he was tough and it's great to ride a second winner for Paul (Byrne) who is a friend of mine from when we were in school.
"When the ride on this fellow came up, I called in a few favours from Emmet and Paul because I'm behind Jamie (Codd) in the Championship and wouldn't mind picking up a winner.
"Brian (Hayes) rode him very cool the last day and I tried to do the same today; I think he'll have no problem dropping back in trip and he could go over fences now."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
