Mullins closes in on century record

Abbyssial justified 11/10 favouritism when making all the running on his Irish debut to win the opening Racegoer's E25 Package 3YO Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse today on a potentially record-breaking weekend for his trainer, Willie Mullins.

Abbyssial, steered to victory by Paul Townend, moved Mullins on to the 98 winner mark for the season and the Champion Trainer requires just two more winners before the close of play on Sunday evening to break last year's 'fastest century', by one day.

Following the win, Mullins stated “he (Abbyssial) is a real big chasing type more so than a Triumph Hurdle type of horse. As we get into the wetter winter, it will all be to his advantage as he'll appreciate the much softer conditions and a longer trip.

“I was very pleased with his jumping and he had a previous run over hurdles in France and the experience was an advantage to him.”

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson