Full Confession answers the prayers of odds-on punters Full Confession appeared to hold obvious claims in the Randox (C&G) Maiden Hurdle and duly landed odds of 4/9 for Patrick and Willie Mullins at Downpatrick. The Kingston Hill gelding had previously won a point-to-point and a bumper and beat all bar favourite Cinnamon Roll on his hurdling debut here last month. The champion amateur rider elected to set the pace in this extended 2m1f event, although the race was in the balance as chief market rival Power Of Words challenged approaching the final hurdle. However, Full Confession responded much the better under pressure and kept on well on the run-in to beat that rival by two lengths. Front Door Famous finished a further eight lengths back in third. Patrick Mullins said, "I don't know how much of a stamina test it would be on that ground. He was actually a little bit lairy and I was going a stride faster all the way. It didn’t particularly suit him to be in front, but I didn't want it to turn into a sprint either. "I'd say Jack(Kennedy)'s horse (Power Of Words) is better than his form. He had a first-time hood on today, and obviously we were giving him 12lb. "The owner, Dominic Kearns, is here with his family and this is obviously a big day up the north, so job done. "I think his jumping has sharpened up a bit and he could move back up in trip. Galway might come a bit soon, but I'd be hoping for Listowel. I think he is a horse with a bit of ability." Quotes by Michael Graham
