The 3/10 favourite Rattan was made work all the way home by Heavenly Bound but he did just enough, in the Martin Reilly BMW Dealers Novice Hurdle, to complete a quick race double for his trainer Willie Mullins and his rider Paul Townend. Tico made the running for much of the race, with Rattan settling in last of the four runners. As they approached the straight Heavenly Bound took over in front with the winner niggled along into second.
On the run to the last eventual runner-up Heavenly Bound drifted slightly left and carried the winner with him. Paul Townend had to get serious from there as he drove his mount out to win by just half a length.
The 6yo gelding by Royal Anthem was recording his second victory since joining the Willie Mullins yard (his third win in total), having started off his career in England with Henry Cecil before moving to Rae Guest.
His last three runs before today, came on the level, finishing a good sixth at Royal Ascot before disappointing at the Curragh and Galway on his last two efforts.
Tom Mahoney representing the winning co-owner John Coleman said afterwards: "John is in England today. This fellow did what he was suppose to do. He is a bit lazy but he did enough.
"Hopefully there is a big handicap over hurdles in him."
Donal Murphy
