James completes fabulous five-timer for Mullins

James du Berlais (7/1) completed a five-timer for Willie Mullins, as he led home 13-rivals in the Grade 3 Colm Quinn BMW Handicap Chase.

Registering a first win in well over two years, the nine-year-old was last seen finishing fifth in the Topham at Aintree last month.

Sent off a 7/1 chance today, the Muhtathir chestnut was given a patient ride by JJ Slevin and while still towards rear from four out, he soon made good progress on the inner.

Travelling best from the second last, the Simon Munir and Isaac Souede-owned victor eased to the front before the final fence and he drew clear on the run-in to score by four-and-a-quarter lengths.

The Gordon Elliott-trained Riaan (15/2) filled the runner-up spot under Danny Gilligan, while Adamantly Chosen (10/1), also in the care of Mullins, was 11-lengths away in third.

"It was a great performance and a nice pot to win,” Mullins, who earlier struck with Kaid D'authie Jasmin De Vaux Bambino Fever and Galopin Des Champs said,

“He’s been a little bit disappointing. JJ Slevin gave him a beautiful ride to sneak him into the race off what looked like a very fast pace.

“He’s a spectacular jumper and he made use of all the attributes that he has. Over the last few fences he gained lengths.”

Slevin added: "My plan was to sit in mid-division as he can be a bit forward going and he ended up sort of taking me there.

"I got wiped out at the first and then he was big at the second. He got in a grand rhythm and is a very, very good jumper. He's won well.

"I learned plenty about him in Aintree the last day. I probably got a bit excited and got sucked in a bit and he paid the price for it late on. We went home and had a think about that and came on for today.

"It's a big one to win around here for the boys and they had Jasmin (De Vaux) earlier so they are having a good day out. Isaac is here, so it's great and Simon is coming tomorrow. These are the places you want to be rocking up to and competing at."

STEWARDS REPORTS

P. Townend, rider of Blue Lord (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran freely.

Rachael Blackmore, rider of Lets Go Champ, trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount never travelled.

The IHRB Veterinary Officer examined Blue Lord (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident turning out of the back straight involving Adamantly Chosen, ridden by B. Hayes, placed Placed, and The King Of Prs, ridden by C. Stone-Walsh where it appeared The King Of Prs was tight for room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. B. Hayes said there was not room for The King Of Prs on his inside and the nature of the bend meant the rail came out to meet you at the point of the bend. C. Stone-Walsh said he was tight for room and had to check. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied B. Hayes was in breach of Rule 214 (careless riding). Having considered his record in this regard, they suspended thim for two racedays.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident on the run to the first fence involving James Du Berlais (FR), ridden by J.J. Slevin, Adamantly Chosen, ridden by B. Hayes, The King Of Prs, ridden by C. Stone-Walsh, Mars Harper (GB), ridden by Sam Ewing, and Lightkeeper, ridden by J.C. Gainford where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. J.J. Slevin said it was tight for room due to general bunching. B. Hayes said he received pressure from his outside. C. Stone-Walsh felt he kept a line to the fence and did not cause any interference. Sam Ewing said he received very little interference. J.C. Gainford said he was tight from both sides. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards took no further action other than to advise C. Stone-Walsh to be more accurate in future regarding his evidence.

The Raceday Stewards informed T. Gibney, trainer of Must Be Obeyed, that a repeat performance of his charge, who refused to line up and was withdrawn at the start, may render the animal liable for suspension.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson