Roi Des Francs (Patrick Mullins) keeps up the gallop from Gaius Marius and Nina Carberry© Photo Healy Racing
Patrick Mullins (earlier a winner on Perfect Gentleman matched his father Willie's achievement of a Tipperary double when he rode the Season Finale INH Flat Race winner, Roi Des Francs for his uncle Tony.
It's getting on for a year now since the Poliglote gelding filled the third spot in a Ballinaboola point-to-point having placed in a Killarney bumper in the May prior to that.
Anyway Tony Mullins' patience with the French-bred began to be rewarded here as he led seven furlongs out having been a bit keen early and kept wide.
Roi Des Francs was still travelling well in the straight and what he produced for pressure was more than good enough as the 5/2 shot went on to see off Gaius Marius by three lengths.
Charles Byrnes' well-backed newcomer, Paper Lantern 2/1 favourite, finished last.
Patrick Mullins said: "He's a grand horse but he was very weak and Tony did the right thing and took his time with him.
"He's not a bumper horse and he's more of a chaser. I'm sure he'll probably go hurdling first.
"Two and a half or three miles over fences and he should win plenty of races." (TW & EM)
