Buildmeupbuttercup and Paul Townend© Photo Healy Racing
The Listed Pat Walsh Memorial Irish EBF Mares Hurdle at Gowran went along expected lines with Buildmeupbuttercup justifying odds-on favouritism for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend.
John Turner’s 8/11 chance took over from the pace setting Effernock Fizz before the second last.
Second favourite Fujimoto Flyer had made a mistake and unseated Danny Mullins at the first hurdle down the back straight.
In the closing stages the loose Fujimoto Flyer was intent on keeping Buildmeupbuttercup company. Rhythm Divine ran very well, finishing off nicely for Rachael Blackmore. She was never quite going to bridge the gap to Buildmeupbuttercup though, and half a length separated them.
“I was in front plenty soon enough but she came alive down the hill and was just doing enough to the line,” reported Townend.
“My biggest worry was the loose horse when she started to look at the inside of the last. She was entitled to win and she’s won which is the main thing.”
(AM & EM)
