Dads Lad and Charlie Mullins (left) beat Patricks Hill © Photo Healy Racing
The John Thomas McNamara Series QR Maiden Hurdle went to the 5/2 favourite Dads Lad who gave Willie Mullins a double on the card after Ciel De Neige in the opener.
Placed in four bumpers and runner-up on his hurdling debut at Downpatrick, the 6-year-old wasn’t foot perfect over the obstacles but came through to lead after the last and stayed on well to beat Patricks Hill by a length and three quarters.
It was a fifth winner for 17-year-old Charlie Mullins who was also victorious in the first leg of this eight-race series at Clonmel last month when winning a Flat handicap on his father Tom’s Excelsius.
The winning rider remarked: "He travelled a bit keen at the start. I sat in behind the leaders and he picked up lovely for me.
“I’d say he’d even want a bit further. He was fine on the ground, he prefers it soft.
“That was my first ride over hurdles and thanks to Willie for giving me the opportunity”
