MULLINS STRAIGHT INTO THE GROOVE

WILLIE MULLINS started as he means to carry on by saddling Spanish Harlem to lift the Guinness Kerry National at Listowel yesterday.

- DAVID YATES

Mullins (right) saddled the 9-2 favourite for the autumn's first big jump race in the Paul Townend-partnered You Oughta Know.

But the market leader crashed out at the sixth fence from home, leaving 16-1 chance Spanish Harlem, ridden by Mullins' nephew Danny, to claim the spoils by four and a half lengths from Three Card Brag.

The seven-year-old carries the colours of Dr Peter FitzGerald, founder of Grand National sponsor Randox Health, and Aintree on April 5 is Mullins' long-term aim.