Mulligan opens his training account with Wrecking Ball Paul

Navan trainer Paul Mulligan saddled his first winner since taking out a licence just over a year ago as Wrecking Ball Paul made all in the AXA Farm Insurance Midlands National Day Friday 14th July Handicap Hurdle at Kilbeggan.

The Jet Away gelding was making a quick reappearance having finished third on the Flat at Listowel yesterday and benefitted from a well-judged ride here by Ben Harvey.

The 9/1 chance asserted approaching the final flight and kept on well to beat Hidalgo Des Mottes by four and a quarter lengths with Ricky Langford a further two lengths away in third.

Mulligan, surrounded by delighted members of the Crane Crew Syndicate, said: “I rode years ago and I took out a licence last year as Ben and Rory (sons) were riding and I got a few horses for them. We have ten horses.

“I worked for Jimmy Fitzgerald and Ger Lyons and gave it up around 2003 and did all sorts of work since then.

“It took a long time to get this horse to settle. Ben (Harvey) gave him a great ride and did exactly as he was told. He ran at Listowel yesterday and it took the edge off him. If he’s mad fresh he’d run away with the jockey.

“We thought he was more of a Flat horse and he likes that ground. My son Ben has been riding him for nearly two years. He’s leading him up and has him relaxed.

“He licked the pot last night and drank a load of water so we said we’d chance him today.

“A lot of the syndicate were working on St James’ Hospital.”