Perfect Gentleman and Patrick Mullins on the way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
In the decimated www.tipperaryraces.ie Beginners Chase the Mullins cousins Patrick and Danny shadowed each other on Perfect Gentleman and Bridgets Pet There was of course only one winner in the end though as the former comprehensively took the prize to bring up a double for his Closutton yard.
Willie Mullins had been on the mark earlier with Morning Run and Ruby Walsh in the opener.
With Festive Felon and The Job Is Right out (change in going), the Jackie Mullins-owned Perfect Gentleman was expected to land this two mile seven furlong contest, going off the 11/10 market-leader (although easy-to-back).
The 'jolly' left Bridgets Pet in his wake from the second last. That one was booked for a moderate second when slithering to the ground at the final fence.
That gave the pace-setting the Vic Canvas the opportunity to gain some extra prize-money and he followed Perfect Gentleman home at a distance of thirteen lengths. There were sixteen lengths back to the only other finisher, Ravished
Patrick Mullins said: "He jumped well and he wants a trip and good ground.
"He should make a better chaser than hurdler.
"He's not one that I'll have to be arguing with Dad about as to whether or not to go for the four miler." (TW & EM)
