On his third start for current connections Duncarrig benefitted from an excellent Danny Mullins ride to land split two of the Bar One Racing Sign Up Offer Handicap Hurdle at Navan.

Content to plough a lone furrow out wide, the plan looked to be going well for Mullins on his dad Tony's charge, until a serious final flight error appeared to have scuppered things.

However a seriously determined drive on the run-in got Duncarrig back in front close home to beat In For The Night by half a length.

Just two and a quarter lengths separated the first five home.

Mullins senior disclosed at the number one spot: "He saw the advantage of going wide, so I said do whatever.

"I thought he'd win in Ballinrobe and he fell at the second last and then I don't know if the wind and rain in Tramore than night upset him, but Danny said he could have pulled up after the first hurdle.

"He lacks confidence, but he doesn't lack ability. If we get his confidence together, he'll go a good bit up the ladder. I'm not saying up to black-type or anything, but he is a good bit better than his rating now.

"He just has no confidence and, when he went down to the last, Danny said he should have come up out of his hands and he didn't, he half went to do it. It is just confidence with him, I'd say maybe he got frightened as a young horse. He'll improve."

Completing a fruitful couple of days Danny Mullins had ridden a winner for his mum Mags at Downpatrick yesterday too.

P.T. Enright, rider of Ishan (FR), trained by S. Curling, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount jumped deliberately throughout.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed J.S. McGarvey, rider of In For The Night, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who accepted that he was in breach of R10 and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that J.S. McGarvey was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g)(excessive frequency) and having considered his record they suspended him for three racedays.

The Raceday Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Mr. H.T. Hynes, that K.M. Donoghue, rider of Always Force It had weighed in at 1.2lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who accepted that this was the case. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that K.M. Donoghue was in breach of Rule 231(iii) and having considered his record they cautioned him on this occasion.

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Anthony Mullins, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Duncarrig, placed first, as compared with its most recent form. The trainer reported that his charge had disappointed on its previous run and may have suffered from a lack of confidence owing to a fall prior to that. The trainer further added that his charge may have benefited from plenty of day light on this occasion by racing wide and felt this may have contributed to the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation offered.

(MG & EM)