Blue Velvet brings up Punchestown double for Mullins and Townend Willie Mullins and Paul Townend registered doubles on the card as Blue Velvet ran out a game winner of the Matchbook 50:50 Graduation Series Mares Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown. Runner-up on her hurdling debut at the same track last month, the Gigginstown House Stud owned filly was sent off a warm order at 8/11f to go one place better. Tracking the leaders for much of the journey, those that took the short odds must have been worried as the market leader came off the bridle and was pushed along after three out. However. having gone second after the next, Blue Velvet headed Torpille Dagrostis early in the straight, keeping on well to win by one-and-three-quarter lengths. Paul Townend, “She’s tough and hardy and stays well. She jumped well and has improved from the last day. She handles that ground.” Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
