Apt takes right Approach

Mullins ace wins despite jumping error

Last updated: 19th January 2012   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Apt Approach falling at Punchestown in May

Apt Approach: Thurles winner

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Apt Approach made nearly all the running to see off Follow The Plan in the Matty Ryan Memorial Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles.

Ridden by Ruby Walsh, the Willie Mullins-trained winner (9-10 fav) looked as if he might face a tough task turning for home, having made a mistake three fences out.

However the nine-year-old found plenty for pressure to rally and overcome Follow The Plan (11-2) on the run-in to win by a couple of lengths.

The runner-up, ridden by Tom Doyle, had won the race last year but had to settle for second, with Roberto Goldback well-held in third.

Mullins said: "He must be a fair horse to win after making a mistake like that, and he's certainly improving.

"It's very hard to find a race for him and he's too high now for handicaps, so he'll either go for the Ryanair Chase or the Gold Cup.

"Maybe the Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park next month could be an option before Cheltenham."

Reflecting on the mistake, Walsh told At The Races: "I gave him a chance to get his wind back and get galloping again.

"He'd have been a good winner without it, but he was good enough to win making that mistake."