Coco Masterpiece and Charlie Mullins (green)© Photo Healy Racing
Coco Masterpiece held the late charge of stablemate Fishery Land as Willie Mullins completed a clean sweep of the places in the concluding bumper at Thurles this afternoon.
The champion trainer saddled three in the finale and Coco Masterpiece went to post a 4/5 shot on his return from a lengthy absence.
The Authorized gelding was free early on for Charlie Mullins and soon disputed. He went to the front up the back straight and was asked for his effort well inside the final furlong.
Newcomer Fishery Lane finished off well to get within half a length at the line with another debutant, Ballygunner Castle two lengths back in third.
The winning rider said afterwards:- "He was very keen but stayed going.
“At the start John Ryan's horse (Foildarrig) was running away and we collided together but once we got our head in front going down the hill, he dropped it (the bit) for me.
"He is very big, is well developed, was point to pointing as a four year old and I think he will be a very nice horse in the future."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
