TRAINER Emmet Mullins gave the bookies a major scare at Tramore on Monday when he landed one gamble and went close to pulling off a second plunge on the low-key jumps card.

The Mullins-trained Tornado Watch was backed from as high as 16/1 to a starting price of 11/4 before winning the two-mile handicap hurdle comfortably in the hands of the trainer’s cousin David Mullins.

Bookmakers not only had to pay out on that winner but they also reported significant liabilities running on to stable companion Sunday At Augusta in the closing bumper. This newcomer had been available at 50/1 in some places earlier in the day and was eventually sent off at 5/2.

The well-backed gelding, the mount of amateur Richie Deegan, took a keen hold in the race and came up almost three lengths short behind 6/4 favourite Cuneo, trained by Henry de Bromhead for Gigginstown House Stud.

Another talking point on the Tramore card was the debut racecourse success for jockey Jody Townend, younger sister of former champion jockey Paul Townend. It was a real family affair as Jody’s winner, Port Rashid, was trained and owned by her father Tim.

There was also a double on the card for jockey Ricky Doyle. He rode the Mark Fahey-trained Fourina to win the two-mile, five-furlong handicap hurdle before following up aboard the Colin Bowe-trained Lacken Bridge in the handicap chase over the same distance.

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