Diamond delivers for dominant Mullins & Townend Ethical Diamond (8/11f) continued champion trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Paul Townend’s roll at Punchestown today, landing the Ladbrokes "Big Value You Can Bet On" Maiden Hurdle for the H O S Syndicate. Sixth at Grade 1 level last February, Ethical Diamond today enjoyed a clear lead throughout and while chasing Kainsbourg was steadied approaching the final flight, ten lengths separated the pair at the line, with keen-going Don't Tell Jack finishing third. Mullins, whose team secured seven wins at last weekend's Dublin Racing Festival, was represented today by his 'guru' David Casey who said “it looked an ideal opportunity for Ethical Diamond: he got a freebee in front and jumped well. “Paul (Townend) said he’s learning the whole time jumping-wise: that was a bit of an issue for him last year, so he seems to be enjoying it a bit more. Hopefully he can build on it. “Better ground would definitely help him, but Paul said it’s not as bad as you would think.” Quotes from Alan Magee
