Garri Rua and Danny Mullins © Photo Healy Racing
Garri Rua was the third horse on today's card at Listowel to complete a double at the festival this week when turning out less than 24 hours after his victory on Thursday.
Garrett Power 's charge had run out a wide margin winner on Thursday card but had to work a bit harder to secure back-to-back successes.
Danny Mullins took over the mount after Donagh Meyler suffered a fall in the preceding race and he sat in behind the leaders in the three-mile John Francis Handicap Hurdle.
The 11/4 favourite hit the front turning for home and was left a few lengths clear two from home when challenger Kara Loco crashed out. A Decent Excuse tried hard to peg back the winner on the run-in but could only get within a length-and-a-half as Garri Rua stuck on well to gain his third success over the season, also adding to a victory at Galway.
"He has been real fresh all year and I said I'd declare him and see how he is in the morning and he ate up last night,” said Power.
“I brought him back home yesterday and he was back out in the paddock at 6.45am - it's a three hour drive down.
"I only have him a year but he's been very consistent. He'll run next in a Grade C handicap hurdle at Gowran on October 1st.
“I have 10 or 11 horses in training but have room for more."
(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)
