The Mooch makes all in first time blinkers The Mooch made all to win the Byerley Turk, Godolphin Arabian And Darley Arabian Handicap Chase under Donagh Meyler for Paul Nolan. Wearing blinkers for the first time the seven-year-old son of Bach was sent straight to the front. Sent off a 5/2 chance he was pressed and joined at the second last by Sister Annie and Old Castletown. He regained the lead after the last and kept on well under pressure on the run-in to score by half a length. The 13/8 favourite Old Castletown stayed on well up the hill but he couldn't reel in the winner and had to settle for second under Ruby Walsh for his father Ted. Sister Annie was a further four lengths back in third under Sean Flanagan for John Cullen. Paul Nolan said afterwards: "He could go to Wexford for a 0-116. He loves that ground." Owner Roger English (accompanied by his cousin and co-owner Tipperary hurling great Nicky English) added: "He's very game and is a good, tough horse. He's very consistent. The blinkers were on to keep him straight." Additional reporting by Michael Graham
