Mixed fortunes for Mullins yard as punters find the going tough

Date Published: {J}

John McIntyre

PUNTERS were left counting the cost when all three odds on favourites were turned over – an unusual occurrence – on the opening day of the Galway Autumn Festival at Ballybrit last Saturday.

Racegoers’ woes began in the Easyfix Rubber Products Novice Hurdle when 1/2 market leader Rebel Fitz and David Russell were unable to withhold the late surge of Earls Quarter, which was initiating a double for the Willie Mullins/Paul Townend trainer/jockey combination.

Last year’s champion National Hunt trainer and jockey went on to complete their Ballybrit brace with 11/10 favourite, the progressive Laganbank, a smooth seven length winner from Serien in the Parkmore Maiden Hurdle.

Ironically, however, the Mullins yard were also responsible for the other two odds on favourite casualties on the card as Scotsirish – again partnered by Townend – paid the price for some sloppy jumping in the conditions chase, while Robin Angervin, backed as if defeat was out of the question, could only manage third in the concluding bumper.

With Scotsirish spoiling his chances by some sloppy jumping in the Colm Quinn BMW Chase, the finish was fought out between Lenabane and 2009 Galway Plate hero, Ballyholland, which underlined his liking for Ballybrit by bouncing back to form with a hard fought half-length success under Andrew McNamara.

Robin Angervin, a disappointing runner up at the summer festival, again didn’t find much off the bridle in the Jamie Kyne Memorial Bumper as late jockey substitute, top Galway amateur Derek O’Connor, pulled off a shock 25/1 win on the front-running Mare Of Milan, running in the colours of Ballinderreen man, Tom Quinn.

The opening Anglo Printers Maiden Hurdle saw Paul Carberry bring Sam Bass from an unfavourable position to run out a narrow winner from another hurdling debutant in Luggers Hall, while Charles Bynes’ Adopaupep benefited from a positive David Russell ride to land the O’Leary Insurance Handicap Hurdle.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.