Westhorpe (Patrick Mullins) stretches out to take the finale at Fairyhouse© Photo Healy Racing
Westhorpe brought up a near 37/1 four-timer for Willie Mullins in the concluding Ian Smith Memorial (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race, getting the job done under Patrick Mullins on his debut at Fairyhouse.
The Westerner gelding had Mullins donning the familiar silks of Madelaine McMahon. He travelled best in the straight.
Once 'given the office' from over a furlong out, the 13/8 favourite, adding to earlier gains of Closutton stable companions, Abbyssial Beluckyagain and On His Own showed a lovely turn of gear.
He got a bit unbalanced under a furlong out and in the end another promising debutant, Fine Article a half-brother to Joncol, closed Westhorpe down to one and a quarter lengths.
In a good sign for the merit of this contest, Westhorpe and Fine Article left Officer Cadet all of eighteen lengths back in third.
Mullins disclosed: "He shows plenty. The owner's grandson rode him in a piece of work the other day and told us he was a fair sort.
"He should be old enough to have a licence the next time he runs.
"Aubrey will now be looking forward to claiming seven off him in a winners' bumper.
"We'll talk to the owner (about Cheltenham). It is an option but he was bought for Aubrey to ride.
"Patrick said he got very unbalanced from idling in front there." (GC & EM)
