Franciscan Rock Shines Again as Mullins Duo Impress at Clonmel

Franciscan Rock secured back-to-back victories for trainer Mouse Morris with a gritty performance in the Jim Strang & Sons Kilsheelan (Peugeot) Hurdle at Clonmel.

Following his triumph in a Pertemps Qualifier at Punchestown nine days earlier, the seven-year-old was sent off at 11-4 under 5lb claimer Gavin Brouder. Facing a competitive four-horse field, he outbattled Paul Nolan’s 7-4 favourite Sandor Clegane, who was making his seasonal debut.

Although Sandor Clegane appeared to have the upper hand entering the home straight, Franciscan Rock’s superior fitness proved decisive. A sharp jump at the final flight sealed a commanding three-and-a-half-length victory.

Trainer Mouse Morris expressed satisfaction with his horse’s performance and noted a resurgence in his stable’s form:

“My horses weren’t right for six to 12 months, but hopefully we’ve turned the corner. Franciscan Rock had good form, and this was a competitive four-horse race.”

Looking ahead, Morris mentioned the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham as a possible target but emphasised the need for a break before finalising plans.

Mullins Dominates Maiden Hurdles with Promising Pair

Willie and Patrick Mullins celebrated a double in the ClonmelRaces.ie (Q.R.) Maiden Hurdle, with C’Est Ta Chance and Karafon, delivering impressive victories for owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede.

C’Est Ta Chance, the 8-13 favourite, returned to action after his fourth-place finish in the Aintree bumper in April. Despite briefly losing momentum downhill, the five-year-old surged to a decisive five-length victory.

Patrick Mullins remarked:

“This race has been a Bermuda triangle for me in the past, but this horse showed another gear when I gave him daylight. He’ll improve plenty and hopefully make it into a graded horse.”

In the second division, Karafon (7-4) justified his strong form credentials to defeat stablemate Karamoja, who was the 5-6 favourite. Karafon, not seen since his fifth-place effort in a Grade Two at Leopardstown last Christmas, produced a polished performance, with Uhavemeinstitches splitting the Mullins runners in second.

Patrick Mullins commented on the duo:

“Karafon jumped brilliantly and settled well, with his extra season’s training making the difference. Karamoja ran keenly and will improve from this. We think highly of both and will step Karafon up in grade.”

The double highlighted the depth of talent in the Mullins yard and provided exciting prospects for the season ahead.