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Punchestown 2024
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Michael Graham
Four Clean Aces shades a thrilling mares' bumper
Four Clean Aces, third right, just sees off World Of Fortunes on her outer
© Photo Healy Racing
Odds-on favourite Four Clean Aces was given an almighty fright by World Of Fortunes in the mares' bumper at Tipperary before clinging on by the minimum margin.
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Patrick Mullins' mount Four Clean Aces travelled stylishly into contention but when she was let down at the furlong pole, the response wasn't immediate.
World Of Fortunes soon loomed large on her outer and the pair locked horns in the closing stages of this extended 2m4f bumper.
Four Clean Aces always looked to be holding a slight advantage and they flashed past the post with the 4/7 favourite getting the verdict by a nose.
Both Four Clean Aces and World Of Fortunes were making their first starts and the runner-up was well punted from 28/1 to 12/1.
Another newcomer, Penelope's Charm took third at 80/1, a further three and a-quarter lengths away.
Jockey Mullins said: "She isn't very big, but has a lovely pedigree and has a big heart. The trip probably stretched her on her first run and she has plenty gears, so we might drop her back in trip now.
"We'll have a talk about running in a winners' bumper and her pedigree would suggest she could win a Flat maiden. She has plenty options for the summer and her homework would say she is better than the bare result there.
"The syndicate is one James Fenton (of Blue Bloods Racing) organised."
The Raceday Stewards interviewed Mr L.J. Murphy, rider of World Of Fortunes, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence, Mr L.J. Murphy admitted that he had breached the whip guidelines and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that Mr L.J. Murphy had used his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Raceday Stewards suspended Mr L.J. Murphy for one raceday.
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes