Digeanta, left, moves away from Minella Reception at Cork © Photo Healy Racing
Digeanta – the son of Arc winner Helissio – made a winning debut for Willie Mullins after a patient ride from Patrick Mullins in the two mile bumper at Cork.
The five-year-old in a tonguestrap came from well off the pace under hands and heels to collar Minella Reception 100 yards out and win going away by half a length to cheer supporters who had backed the 11/8 favourite.
The John Walsh-trained Passlands took third-placed money at 12/1.
“He got me out of a bit of a hole as I gave him a poor ride and had him too far back,” winning jockey Patrick Mullins said.
“His wind is not great, but he was tough to make up ground. He’ll improve on better ground. He’ll either go for a winners’ bumper or a hurdle next.”
Digeanta gave Willie Mullins his seventh winner in a week and a double at Cork. He has a 25% strike-rate at the track. Patrick Mullins has won on five of his last seven mounts.
Michael Graham (on course reporting by Alan Magee)
