Mullins levels the score with Benson

Danny Benson and Patrick Mullins had a good battle to conclude the card in the bumper at Clonmel yesterday. Benson came out on top on that occasion but this time Mullins reversed things for his father Willie on Iolani in the Living The Dream INH Flat Race at Downpatrick.

Benson picked up a day ban for his effort on Ladysingstheblues at Powerstown Park when Mullins was tightened up when trying to challenge in the final furlong on Blixt.

The record breaking amateur rider dictated that the rail was going to be his this time (got a 2 day careless riding ban) as he went by on Iolani from the furlong pole. In the end his mount, owned by the Supreme Horse Racing Club, proved much the strongest to register a five and a half length verdict.

"The better ground turned him inside out. To be honest I was further back than I wanted to be and I would mark the performance up because of that," said the winning rider.

"I think he is a horse that could improve. I think the Supreme (Horse Racing Club) will have a lot of fun with him. He could be out again next month."

The Stewards fined Keith Henry Clarke, trainer, €350 for lodging a passport in respect of Scorpion Scare in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order.

The Stewards enquired into an incident on the last bend approching the uphill finish involving Frankiefiveangels ridden by Mr D.J. Benson, placed second and Iolani (GER), ridden by Mr P.W. Mullins, placed first, where it appeared that Iolani had tightened Frankiefiveangels.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that Mr P.W. Mullins had caused interference by riding carelessly, this being a breach of Rule 214 and suspended him for 2 racedays having taken his previous record into consideration. Mr J. Hunt, Acting Steward, absented himself from this enquiry.

(MG & EM)