Mullins completes five-timer with a six-timer

Bargain basement purchase Listen Dear was the fifth winner of the day for Champion Trainer Willie Mullins when competing a six-timer of her own in the Grade 3 Kerry Group EBF Mares Novice Chase at Cork today.

In a dizzying list of fives, sixes and 1’s, Mullins won five of the six races on offer at both Cork and Punchestown in less than two hours (12.55pm - 1.50pm) as Listen Dear’s win followed the half hour earlier success of Douvan in the Hilly Way Chase at the Munster venue.

Both Mullins’ Cork winners were ridden by his second-jockey Paul Townend and following Listen Dear’s easy made-all win, Mullins’ assistant David Casey stated “she is a dinger and again was very impressive. She does her own thing and likes to get on with it and Paul (Townend) said she was strong all the way today.

"She had been working great and if we'll look for more mares' races and hopefully it is onwards and upwards for her."

Listen Dear, a daughter of Robin Des Champs was bought by Michael Ennis for just E1,000 as a foal and while unsuccessful in his initial point to point and two initial bumper starts for Mullins, has won seven of her last nine starts and today completed her sixth consecutive win.

By Tom Weekes