Impulsive Dancer has all right moves to cool down Mercurey

Willie Mullins' Mercurey was beaten by stablemate Impulsive Dancer after starting at 1-4 in the Listed Kevin McManus Bookmaker Champion Flat Race at Limerick.

The former came into the race highly-regarded after a 13-length bumper win in January and led for much of the contest, but he was joined by eventual three-length winner Impulsive Dancer on the final bend.

Blizzard Of Oz (14-1), finished three lengths behind the winner, with Mercurey a short head further back in third.

"He is improving all the time, his work at home has been very good and I don't think he needs heavy ground either," Mullins said of the winner.

"It wasn't a surprise on his final bits of work at home and he is a horse to look forward to mix it on the flat and over hurdles.

"Both he and Mercurey won their bumpers on heavy ground but the winner is a more mature flat type, whereas Mercurey is probably an immature jump horse.

"I'd imagine Impulsive Dancer will go to Punchestown, possibly for the Champion Bumper, and could continue racing during the summer. I don't know whether or not I'll run Mercurey again this season."

Congrats to "Impulsive Dancer" winner of the @mcmanusbookie champion pro/am flat race of €35000 trained by @WillieMullinsNH with Jane Townend on board