New Kid In Town, middle, on his way to victory in Cork© Photo Healy Racing
Patrick Mullins booted home a winner in his own colours as New Kid In Town stayed on stoutly in Cork's three mile maiden hurdle.
The 2/1 favourite, trained by Willie Mullins, raced in second just behind Better Again before taking up the lead after jumping the fourth last. Barnahash chased him on the long run to the third last but she stumbled on the home bend causing Ambrose McCurtin to lose his irons. This enabled Isabellsprincess and Tradewinds to move into challenging positions behind the leader.
After the second last Mullins had to get serious with his mount as Isabellesprincess loomed large on the outside under a Mark Walsh drive. Barry Geraghty had gone for the inner route on Tradewinds who raced in a close third.
New Kid In Town held the lead by about half a length jumping the last and got away well from that obstacle. He was then driven out to score by a length and a half from Isabellesprincess (4/1). Tradewinds was a further half a length away in third at 9/4.
Patrick Mullins said: "His second dam bred an Irish National winner (Hear The Echo) and with his physique he should make a nice chaser.
"It's great to get the win with him and he's a good ground horse who is for sale."
A morning-price gamble on Isabellesprincess was therefore foiled. She had been backed down from 10/1.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
