Mister Policeman returns to winning ways at Punchestown

The Willie Mullins-trained chestnut was purchased by Rich Ricci after hurdles success in France as a four-year-old and got off the mark for new connections at the first time of asking.

His first Irish run was in a two-mile Cork hurdle last April, a race he won comfortably before graduating to fences at the start of this term.

His first attempt at Fairyhouse in November was a success and the gelding then headed to Naas in January and started as the favourite in a two-mile novice.

He was comprehensively beaten on that occasion as Quilixios came home in front with Sa Fureur behind him and Mister Policeman over eight lengths away from the winner in third.

At Punchestown the five-year-old looked to make amends for a sticky round of jumping last time and under Paul Townend he was much improved, travelling well as the 1/2 favourite in a field of five.

Rounding the final bend he was galloping along comfortably and was able to produce a neat jump at the last to pull away to a six-length victory.

Mullins said of the success: “He’s still learning to jump and he’ll probably be better going out in trip at some stage, but this race fitted nicely into his schedule. It will leave him nicely set up for the spring.

“I’d imagine he’ll stay at home and there are plenty of good races to be won. He could go for a novice handicap.”

Mullins enjoyed four winners on the day, with Townend riding three, as Tullyhill took the Madigan Group Irish EBF Sheila Bourke Novice Hurdle and Paggane (13/8) landed the Old House Kill Maiden Hurdle.

The fourth Closutton winner was partnered by Patrick Mullins as 10/11 favourite Sounds Victorius swooped in the dying strides of the Lockton Insurance Brokers Supporting Athy Rugby (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race.

Masterboy Davis looked booked for glory until Mullins produced his mount on the line, with stablemate Inn At The Park back in third.

The winning trainer said: “You could see he was learning all the way up the straight in Leopardstown (when second on debut). Obviously he didn’t take all those lessons to heart and had to relearn today. He did it the hard way but is obviously full of stamina.

“I was very happy with Inn At The Park as well and he’ll win before too long.”

Chief in charge

Rachael Blackmore coaxed home Senior Chief to take the QuinnBet Beginners Chase over two miles and seven furlongs.

The 2/9 favourite had placed in two runs over fences so far and seemed to require a little persuasion throughout the race but scraped home to prevail by three-quarters of a length.

“Rachael said once she turned in she knew it was OK but I’m not so sure,” winning trainer Henry De Bromhead said.

“He’s done little wrong in fairness to him, and the handicapper might reassess him from a mark of 142.

“He looked laboured and Rachael said it’s tough old ground. We’ll look for a handicap now and see where we go from there.

“I’m delighted for the lads (Lucky In Life Syndicate) who are great supporters and a lot of them work at Regeneron in Limerick.”

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