Limerick: well-backed Pont Audemer continues Cromwell's run

It is a pity Gavin Cromwell will not be sending a large team to this weekend's Dublin Racing Festival because the stable could not be in better form, as shown by the performance of Pont Audemer in the second division of the 2m handicap hurdle.

The four-year-old, who was having his second run in a handicap, was backed from 8-1 overnight down to 3-1 and could hardly have won more convincingly under Kieren Buckley. He arrived between the final two hurdles as if he had been dropped in from a plane, and streaked clear from the last to win by four and a quarter lengths.

Buckley said: "I have ridden him plenty at home, although this is the first time I've ridden him on the track. He is a little cracker and it has just taken him a while to get the hang of hurdling. He did it very nicely, and I hope he can progress."

Double for Mullins

Another day, another double for Willie Mullins. The Susannah Ricci-owned Paul Marvel made a winning debut in the 2m maiden hurdle under Kieran Callaghan, but it was quite hard work with the grey having to show reserves of stamina to see off Trust Me Nate by two and a quarter lengths.

Callaghan has been a valuable claimer for Mullins this season, including when winning the Cork Grand National in November on Captain Kangaroo. He said: "Plan A and Plan B probably went out the window straight away with how quick they went. I was a lot further back than I hoped, but how hard they went probably suited him in the end.

"It didn't turn into a sprint and in fairness to him he stays really well. He really picked up and hit the line strongly. It was his first run and I thought it was a nice performance. He's a fine, big horse with plenty of options for the future."

The Mullins double was completed in the bumper with a one-two, but not in the expected order. 

Blizzard Of Oz was once again unable to justify short odds after being sent off 1-2 favourite for the second time in two bumper outings, despite the fact the Jody Townend-ridden winner Captain Cody had finished in front of him at Punchestown in December. 

Three-quarters of a length separated them on that occasion when they were second and third to Slade Steel, and with Patrick Mullins charting an extremely wide course on the favourite in the back straight, Townend was able to extend the margin this time as her mount kept to the inner and stayed on to good effect in scoring by six and a half lengths. 

Townend said: "I know Patrick thought his horse would come on for the run at Punchestown, but I knew my fellow would too. He has definitely improved."

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