Cool Jet and Jody Townend lead home Spanish Present© Photo Healy Racing
Despite proving friendless with punters, the Willie Mullins trained Cool Jet ran out a good winner of the last at Thurles, the John Thomas McNamara Series INH Flat Race.
The market got it all wrong in this near two mile heat, with the winner drifting from as short as 10/11 to a starting price of 7/2.
All the money came for first reserve and stablemate to Cool Jet, The Bandit with this newcomer going off the 10/11 favourite under Harry Swan.
Settled in mid-division by Jody Townend, the winner took closer with over half a mile to race and eased to the front early in the straight, going on to record a comfortable five length success. Spanish Present finished second at 40/1 under Michael O'Sullivan for Paul Cashman, while Perfect Attitude (8s to 9/2) was another two lengths away in third.
The Bandit was beaten a long way from home and eventually finished a disappointing eighth.
Mullins, who was earlier successful with Harrie said: "That was more like his home work and it's great to put that on the back of his disappointing run at Leopardstown.
"Jody said he was quite keen and she said she was taking a pull turning in, that's how well she appeared to be going. Jody was full of him and he showed us that form earlier on in the season.
"He'll get an entry for Cheltenham but I'll have a word with his owner Douglas Taylor and see what he wants to do. If he'd like to travel he is certainly good enough I think because the better ground would suit.
"His dam is a half-sister to Cousin Vinny so that might just tip the scales to run."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined The Bandit, trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.
The Stewards interviewed Mr M.J.M. O'Sullivan, rider of Spanish Present, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he had lost count and gone over the limit. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that Mr. M. J. M. O'Sullivan was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g, excessive frequency. Having considered Mr. M. J. M. O'Sullivan's record in this regard The Stewards suspended Mr. M. J. M. O'Sullivan for two racedays.
Mr A.J. Fox, rider of Terr Byrne trained by James Gerard Kelly, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was pulled up distressed.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
