Emmet Mullins at the double as paying customers welcomed back

There were no shortage of talking points at Down Royal as, for the first time since March 2020, paying customers were welcomed back to an Irish racecourse.

The most fascinating subplot to what was seemingly a run-of-the-mill card developed as early as mid-morning as Emmet Mullins’ Shake Him Up and Blackstair Rocco were shortened significantly for their respective races.

The money may have gone astray on Shake Him Up in the opening maiden hurdle, but Blackstair Rocco proved himself well ahead of his mark of 95 in the first division of the 2m4½f handicap hurdle, while the afternoon got a whole lot better for Mullins when The Gossiper landed the bumper.

Both of Mullins’ winners were ridden by up-and-coming rider Mike O’Connor, the youngster quickly endearing himself to the 500 or so people who were lucky enough to get tickets to the meeting.

Speaking after Blackstair Rocco won by 16 lengths, O'Connor said: "That was brilliant. He won very well. I got a good jump at the third-last, then I just sat for as long as I could. When I pressed the button he went on and won it nicely."

Blackstair Rocco was returned a 10-11 favourite having been as big as 8-1 in the morning, while The Gossiper, who survived a lengthy stewards’ enquiry after coming across the runner-up Esperti in the closing stages, was 7-4 favourite.

Fahey bags feature with Galway bound Visionarian

Peter Fahey loves nothing more than a winner at the Galway festival and the trainer has Ballybrit in his sights for Visionarian, who landed the feature handicap hurdle under Tommy Brett.

Visionarian appeared to have handed the initiative to long-time leader Fairyhill Run when producing a slow jump at the final flight, but he did well to battle back to edge that rival by a nose on the line.

A delighted Fahey said: “I am delighted for Bazil and Bernie Holian who bought this lad and a couple others. It's great to get a bit of luck for them. He is a strong traveller. Stepping him up in trip was a big help. We'll put him away now for Galway.

"The staying handicap hurdle towards the end of the week could suit him well. He's a nice horse going forward and I can't wait to get him over fences.”

Results, replays and analysis

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