Ballygunner Castle goes far to secure the winner`s bumper

Ballygunner Castle, trained by Willie Mullins, gave the champion trainer a double that evening by demonstrating unwavering grit to hold off all competitors and win the final Racing Again May 28th INH Flat Race at Tipperary.

Unlike the stable's 62-length winner who had won earlier in the card, the five-year-old needed to exert significant effort to defeat the runner-up, Aruntothequeen, by a mere half-length.

The gelding, who had won over 2m3f at Limerick last month, was immediately sent in front by jockey Patrick Mullins, most likely in an attempt to take advantage of his demonstrated stamina.

Early in the straight, a number of challengers surfaced, but Aruntothequeen, trained by Jessica Harrington, posed the biggest threat to the winner. 

Ballygunner Castle had to give up 21lb to the later, but he galloped on, determined to see it through.

Patrick Mullins said, “He’s a fine stamp of a horse. I couldn’t get him to go fast enough in front. He’s not a quick horse and this is a tight track. He’s done well to win in the circumstances, and he has a beautiful pedigree but it’s all three miles. He looks like a staying chaser in time. He’s going on his holidays now and I think there is a lot to look forward to.”