Purple Mountain and Patrick Mullins jump the last© Photo Healy Racing
Willie Mullins registered his seventh winner of the week and Patrick Mullins his fourth, as Purple Mountain justified odds-on favouritism in the opening James's Gate Maiden Hurdle.
A dual bumper winner, one of which was in Listed class, the daughter of Beat Hollow finished last of eleven on her most recent start at the Dublin Racing Festival.
Making her debut over hurdles this evening, she was expected to deliver and was sent off the clear market leader at 5/6.
Towards the head of affair throughout, she improved to lead from four out, but was pushed along and joined by stable companion Gamin Original (3/1) on the run to the last.
The winner was far from fluent over that final obstacle but her task was made all the easier with Gamin Original unseating Paul Townend. Aboutagout (12/1) came through to take second under Jack Foley for Flan Costello, finishing a length and three-parts behind, while Skippin Court (11/1) was another three-and-a-half lengths back in third.
Willie Mullins said in the aftermath: "Patrick was very positive on Purple Mountain albeit they were a bit lucky over the last where Gamin Original looked to have a winning chance - both horses made mistakes at the last.
"Mee Equestrian' normally like to run west of the Shannon so we'll look to the October meeting for Purple Mountain, and maybe Listowel in September. Four of her family have now won at the festival in Galway.
"We changed tactics with Gamin Original and it seemed to work so hopefully it'll be more of the same. It is the first time he has shown us on the track what he's shown us at home and at this stage of his career he'll keep going as a winter horse."
STEWARDS REPORTS
B. Hayes, rider of Full Aux Rois (FR) trained by Emmet Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left throughout.
B. Browne, rider of Stone Mason trained by Oliver McKiernan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly left throughout.
Oliver McKiernan, trainer of Stone Mason, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his charge was found to be lame in front post race.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
