Racing: Willie Mullins saddled the first two home in the Ellen Construction Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran Park today with Homer Wells (16-1) staying on stronger than Livingstonebramble (14-1).
A useful novice last term, the winner had failed to sparkle this season, but was always travelling well under Davy Condon. He moved up smoothly with half a mile to run and jumped up to challenge long-time leader Kymandjen at the second-last.
After jumping the final obstacle without problems, he raced away for a comfortable victory.
Ferdy Murphy's Kitski, the sole British challenger, travelled well for a long way under Graham Lee, but could not match the finish of the Mullins pair, although he stayed on to finish fourth, with Arthur Moore's Well Tutored in third.
Top-weight and favourite Southern Vic was never in a position to challenge.
Mullins said: "The horse seemed to be jumping a bit big early on, but improved as the race went on.
"As they turned into the straight I could see Homer Wells, Livingstonebramble and Joueur D'Estruval all there in with a chance, I thought 'hopefully one can win'.
"Davy said he thought he was beaten going to the last though. He loved the ground and the trip. Perhaps the Irish National could be a possible if the ground was soft. Soft ground is the key to him."
