Getabird Pleases Mullins On Racecourse Return

Grade 1 performer Getabird (7g Getaway - Fern Bird, by Revoque) defeated a competitive field to land Saturday’s Carlow Chase at Gowran Park on his racecourse return.

The winner of a point-to-point, both his bumpers and at Grade 2 level over hurdles, he won his chase debut impressively in December and followed up with a close second in a Grade 1. Unseen since April, he was sent off favourite under Paul Townend, who rode him to chase the leaders, pushing the bay along from two out. Gaining the advantage at the last, he was ridden out to win by a length and a half from Paloma Blue, with the same distance back to Castlebrook (Oscar) in third.

Winning trainer Willie Mullins commented after the race, “It's good to see him back. He was very keen early in the race but jumped well, especially over the last when he wanted one to win. It was a nice performance for his first run of the season.”

Owned by Mrs Susannah Ricci and bred by Pat Connell, the son of Getaway was bought by Mullins and Harold Kirk for €200,000 after winning his point-to-point for Walter Connors. His three-year-old brother by Ocovango sold for €75,000 to Aiden Murphy and MV Magnier at this year’s Derby Sale.