Dads Lad and Brian Hayes win at Killarney © Photo Healy Racing
Dads Lad completed a Killarney double and made it four on the day for trainer Willie Mullins when staying on best to land the Bunkers Bar & Restaurant Handicap Chase at Killarney.
Champion trainer Mullins, who won with Jon Snow earlier in the evening, also had a brace at Kilbeggan.
Dads Lad, a surprise winner of the QR Maiden at the Galway festival was sent off a warm favourite here and duly delivered to the delight of punters.
Brian Hayes travelled noticeably well entering the straight, before delivering a challenge to long-time leader Jack Holiday approaching the final fence. A good leap at that obstacle sealed the race, allowing Hayes to coast home.
Patrick Mullins said; "he was always a very good work horse but was disappointing on the track. He has got his confidence now and chasing seems to have improved him.
"Brian (Hayes) gets on brilliant with him and for a cheap horse, he has now won five in a year. It's great as he handles soft ground as well.
"We might have the option of going back over hurdles from bottom weight and I was kicking myself we hadn't put him in the big handicap hurdle today. There might be another race like that for him at Listowel and he is very versatile."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
