Put The Kettle On and David Mullins leads Whatucallher and Andrew Lynch home© Photo Healy Racing
David Mullins got it spot on from the front to win the Connolly's Red Mills Irish EBF Mares Auction Maiden Hurdle at Navan on Put The Kettle On
Kilkenny man Mullins won four races for Put The Kettle On's owners, One For Luck Racing Syndicate, on Adreamstillalive in 2017.
That successful grouping are also County Kilkenny-based and they employ Henry de Bromhead in nearby Knockeen Waterford to do the training on their horses. Whatucallher 'missed' two out and Put The Kettle On was soon holding all the aces.
Backers of even money favourite Gypsy Island mightn't have been happy, but connections will doubtless have been encouraged for her future given her finishing effort.
Patiently ridden by Mark Walsh, Peter Fahey's exciting Ballinrobe bumper scorer didn't get there in time and ultimately failed by a length to reel in Put The Kettle On (11/4 second favourite).
It was a length and a quarter then to the aforementioned Whatucallher in third.
“David said he wanted to make it a bit of a test and use her jumping and it all worked well in the end. She’s only a frame of a mare and will fill out so we won’t be too hard on her. She’s had three quick runs so we might have one more and put her away for the spring," said de Bromhead.
“David won on the connections (Co. Kilkenny based One For Luck Racing Syndicate) previous mare Adreamstillalive (won four times last year), and it's lovely to have him back on her.”
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Gypsy Island, ridden by M.P. Walsh, and trained by Peter Fahey.
Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned.
M.P. Walsh, stated that his instructions were to take his time, settle his mount early on and do the best he could.
He said his mount got very free passing the stands and as he tried to get cover and settle her, felt he was further back than he would have of liked.
He said he was afraid his mount would do too much down the back and as a consequence not get home.
Peter Fahey, confirmed the instruction giving and expressed his satisfaction with the ride.
He also added that his charge can be very free and needed settling in her races.
The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Gypsy Island was post race normal.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered.
(AM & EM)
