Mullins on the double at Ballinrobe
NORMAL service quickly resumed for Willie Mullins at Ballinrobe last night as the champion trainer landed the last two races on the card.
First up was the success of Robin Des Foret which opened his chasing account with the minimum of fuss on his debut over the larger obstacles in the Supermac’s Beginners Chase.
Last Encounter took them along in this novice contest over two miles and one furlong contest but was headed three from home by the well-supported 1/2 market leader.
Paul Townend’s mount was well in control when running down the last and galloped on relentlessly to record an effortless 17-length success.
Last Encounter crashed out at the final fence as Mighty Stowaway came through to claim the runner-up spot.
Vent D’automne stormed home in the closing stages of the closing bumper to give Mullins his quickfire double.
The 9/4 shot had looked in trouble when coming off the bridle three furlongs from home in the two-mile one-furlong contest. However, he stuck to his task well under a strong drive from Patrick Mullins and headed Castlebrook inside the final furlong to earn a half-length victory.
The winner is owned by longterm patrons Graham and Andrea Wylie looks a promising sort but the was a sting in the tail for the rider as Mullins Jnr was handed a three-day suspension for excessive use of the whip.
The Dot Love-trained Newsworthy (12/1) bounced back to form to claim the Breaffy House Resort Handicap Chase under Simon Cavanagh, running out a length and half victor from 7/2 favourite Spancil Hill.
Across the water, John Gosden softened the blow of being forced to rule Without Parole out of the English 2,000 Guineas after Corelli emerged as a potential Epsom Derby contender with a ready success at Yarmouth.
The son of Point Of Entry, which is closely related to 2007 St Leger winner Lucarno, started out on a potential path towards the Epsom classic on June 2 with an eased-down two-and-ahalf-length victory in the novice stakes over an extended 11 furlongs.
Following the race the winner was cut to 33/1 for the Derby and Gosden said of the 1/3 favourite: “He is a lovely horse. He would hopefully be a resolute, proper stayer.
“He was a bit babyish on the turn. He has learnt a lot today and had a nice day out.
“We are always thinking about it (Derby) and we have time to go for a trial in the meantime and see. He is a lovely horse and he has got a great attitude. There is no reason not to go for a trial.”