Willie Mullins closes the gap on Gordon Elliott again after day three

Wille Mullins continued to close the gap on Gordon Elliott at the third day of the Punchestown Festival where the defending champion added some €182,000
to his tally for the season in comparison to a more modest amount of a liitle over €33,000 for Gordon Elliott.

Mullins had a double today while Elliott drew a blank.

Translating all that into a GAP at the top of table shows that Gordon Elliott's lead is reduced to around €129,000 (unofficial figure) with two days remaining
and 15 races to be decided.

However, a great week for trainer Jessica Harrington continued with a double in the first two races.

Robbie Power added to his tally on one of them - Bobabout which overcame both trouble in running and a photo-finish to take the opening JLT handicap hurdle by a nose.

'That is just one of those races when things are going your way. I was brought to a standstill at the fourth last when a horse fell in front of me and I actually considered pulling up,' stated the Moynalvey man.

'I was out of the race and had no chance, so I said I would hack home and creep around the inside. The more I passed one, the more he came alive and going down to the last I thought I would win.

'Taking the hood off him today has made a difference. He has concentrated a bit more. He was very free but maybe got a bit too relaxed in the hood. Jessie's horses are in flying form and all credit goes to the team,' he added.

 

Today's attendance was 19,072, compared to 16,978 on the same day last year.