The Brass Man rounded off a great evening for favourite backers at Tipperary, as he claimed the p2p.ie The Irish Point To Point Website (C & G) Point-To-Point INH Flat Race.

The Mags Mullins trained bay was a sixth winning favourite on the card, with Carrie Des Champs (evens), Cray (5/1), Madaboy Cross (6/1jf), Brahma Bull (13/8) and Rewritetherules (7/4) the others.

Third on debut at Tattersalls in December, The Brass Man was expected to go a few places better this evening, and went off at evens under Patrick Mullins..

Settled behind the leaders, he got to the front over three furlongs out. Jack Thunder threw down a strong challenge on the inner from the furlong pole, but the winner found more for pressure in the closing stages, going on to prevail by two and a half lengths.

Jack Thunder (12/1), for Pat Doyle and Ray Barron, had to settle for second, while the well-backed Doyen Dancer (10s in early shows and from 7/2 to 5/2 on-course) was another two lengths back in third.

Mags Mullins said afterwards: "He was idling a bit in front and I think he is very good. He is a little bit of a baby still and he is homebred by myself and Peter Magnier and Tom Furlong has a third-share.

"It would have been nice to have had Peter here today (passed away in January). He was a great contact for the yard, was a big owner and a great friend. He is a big loss.

"This horse is for the sales at Doncaster - I'd love to be able to afford to keep him as I rate him very highly but probably won't be able to."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards interviewed Mr J.W. Hannon, rider of The Secret One (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that Mr J.W. Hannon was in breach of R10(3)(h) by using his whip with his arm above shoulder height. Having considered his previous record, the Stewards cautioned Mr J.W. Hannon.

The Stewards interviewed Mr S. Cavanagh, rider of Top Man concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that Mr S. Cavanagh was in breach of R10(3)(i) by failing to give his mount three strides to respond to the whip. Having considered his previous record, the Stewards cautioned Mr S. Cavanagh.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes