Exchange Rate (left) tackles Backsheesh© Photo Healy Racing
1/6 shot Exchange Rate justified his short price in fine style when winning hard held under Patrick Mullins in the mile-six amateur race at Listowel.
The Willie Mullins-trained gelding was narrowly denied in a valuable handicap at Killarney on his last outing and looked clear best at the weights in today's conditions event. Geoffrey's Girl opened up a clear lead early on in the race but came back to the field at halfway.
She gave way to Backsheesh over three furlongs from home but that rival was soon stalked by Exchange Rate.
The hotpot cruised up to dispute over a furlong from home with Patrick Mullins looking around for non-existent dangers. He eased ahead close home to record a length-and-three-quarters win under his motionless pilot.
The runner-up is owned by Willie Mullins' sister Sandra McCarthy and trained by his brother Tom. The winning trainer joked afterwards:- “I might not be popular in my sister’s house tonight!
“The conditions of the race and the ground suited him. He did that nicely, and will continue on the Flat in staying handicaps for the time being."
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
