Extrapolation leads Gino Drummer Boy over the last© Photo Healy Racing
Extrapolation bounced back from some below par efforts, as he made the breakthrough on his third start over flights in the Harrington Concrete & Quarries Maiden Hurdle.
A point-to-point winner on his eighth attempt when trained by Shane Donohoe, he claimed a bumper at Downpatrick in May before finishing last of six in a winners contest at the Curragh.
He again failed to make an impact on his most recent start at Roscommon and back in maiden company this evening, he came in for plenty of support, going off the 9/5 favourite, from 6s in early shows.
Settled behind the leaders by Danny Mullins, the Richard O'Brien-trained grey took closer order from two out and swept to the front before the final flight.
Ridden on the run-in, the Michael and Joan Toomey owned six-year-old kept on well to see off Clifftop (17/2 from 25s) and Kieran Buckley by three-lengths.
There was a further eight-lengths back to Rohans Successor (14/1) in third, while Gino Drummer Boy blundered badly at the last when appearing held in second and he eventually finished sixth.
"That was a nice performance. I'd ridden him in Punchestown, one came and caught us late on, and in fairness today he grasped a nice opportunity and won well," Mullins said.
"We made it in Punchestown and myself and Richard had a chat and I changed things slightly, but on good ground on a summer track you can't be too far off the pace either. He moved up into it as he pleased and has done the job well.
"I was possibly getting the upper hand when the other horse made a bad mistake at the last. I was a fraction tight into it myself which wasn't ideal but I landed with a bit more petrol and he ran on well to the line."
STEWARDS REPORTS
D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Dun Ar Aill trained by Paul O'Flynn, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was leaning left.
The Raceday Stewards interviewed K. Callaghan, rider of Simpletwistoffaith concerning his use of the whip in this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g) frequency and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that K. Callaghan was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous clean record into account, the Raceday Stewards cautioned K. Callaghan on this occasion.
The Raceday Stewards reviewed the approach to the last hurdle involving Extrapolation, ridden by D.E. Mullins, placed first, and Gino Drummer Boy, ridden by J.W. Kennedy, placed sixth, where it appeared interference may have occurred. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Extrapolation was sufficiently clear of Gino Drummer Boy from the road crossing to the last hurdle and so took no further action.
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
