Four Clean Aces and Paul Townend© Photo Healy Racing
Following on from Crack The Sky in the opener Willie Mullins and Paul Townend completed a Kilbeggan brace courtesy of Four Clean Aces in the BetXS Staffless Betting Shops Maiden Hurdle.
She bossed it from the front and despite jumping left on occasions the successful daughter of Saint Des Saints was too good for these rivals, beating Karacole and Tonaghneave Well by five and a half lengths and two and a half lengths.
"She progressed well from the last day and I was able to keep it straight-forward on her," reported Townend.
"I knew from the first hurdle that she was on song and I was able to dictate it from there.
"She's getting her confidence back from her fall the first day and while she did lose her way jumping, is getting it back again.
"She likes tight tracks and summer racing."
J.C. Gainford, rider of Go Frankie trained by Peter Croke, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was green and ducked inwards with a lap to go. Having reviewed the incident the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.
H.E. Sexton, rider of Getaway Blondie trained by Adrian Sexton, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount may have gone wrong.
D.J. Gilligan, rider of Ocean Brew trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount dwelt at the start.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Getaway Blondie, trained by Adrian Sexton, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
At the request of the Raceday Stewards, E. Dwan, rider of Somerset Hill trained by P.M.J.Doyle, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran very green at the road crossing.
(TW & EM)
