Katie Walsh partnered 11/4 favourite De Senectute to land a gamble in the concluding qualified riders handicap at Bellewstown’s festival.
The mare, trained by Willie Mullins, had been off track for 353 days but put in an impressive performance when hitting the front 100 yards from home to score by two lengths after being punted from 4/1. Omas Glen highlighted Cecil Ross’s red-hot form by coming home second at 12/1 having been put in at an initial 16/1. This mare was running for the first time in 701 days. The Fonze grabbed third place prize money half-a-length further back.
Willie Mullins commented: “It was a good performance after such a long break and a 20 pound hike [in the handicap].
“She’ll mix flat and hurdles over the summer and may go to Galway next.”
Hugh Murphy, jockey on fourth placed Walter De La Mare received a two-day ban for use of the whip with excessive frequency. He was also referred to RACE for one day's tuition for correct use of the whip.
