According to the official result at Listowel on 23 September, Ballygunner Castle won the Listowel Kerry National result at odds of 11/1 in the Guinness Kerry National Handicap Steeplechase. Danny Mullins rode the winner for trainer W. P. Mullins, defeating Ol Man Dingle by 4.5 lengths.
The three-mile Grade 3 contest saw the favourite Downmexicoway, sent off at 7/2, finish third, just 0.75 lengths adrift of the runner-up. The victory marked a strong performance from Ballygunner Castle, who earned a performance rating of 140 against an official rating of 137, and claimed the Listowel Kerry National result with authority to secure the €120,001 prize.
Ballygunner Castle Claims Mullins Double
The Grade 3 handicap steeplechase proved productive for the Mullins yard, which saddled seven runners across the Listowel card. Doctor Ken finished fourth in the Listowel Kerry National result, whilst W. P. Mullins also sent out King Alexander (6th) and Uncle Pat (7th), though none threatened the winner.
Millstream Lady delivered a standout performance in the 3m0f handicap hurdle earlier on the card, winning at 16/1 for E McNamara and jockey Tom Kelly, who steered the mare to a convincing 1.25-length success from Hi Ho Idaho. La Note Verte completed a strong afternoon for Mullins when the 1/1 favourite won the mares’ novice steeplechase under Paul Townend.
Our preview of the Guinness Kerry National outlined the key contenders ahead of the race.
