Mullins cousins strike with Champs

"That was great. She is a mare that we always thought plenty of, but it has just taken a while to get her out," said Emmet Mullins after saddling his third winner overall when Arbor Des Champs (6/4 favourite) took the concluding Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Mares INH Flat Race at Tramore.

Partnered by the winning trainer's cousin, record-breaking amateur rider, Patrick, the daughter of Robin Des Champs built on a Wexford third placing from April 8th.

She streaked clear from over a furlong out to beat Verdana Blue by eight and a half lengths.

"We ended up running her on heavy ground in Wexford when it probably didn't suit her. She is a real mare to look forward to for the summer, and we will see how she gets on now in a winners bumper," added Emmet Mullins.

"She's a fine big Robin Des Champs mare and she should be competitive in her winners bumper. She will go hurdling towards the end of the summer."

Willie and Danny Mullins had earlier been on the mark on this programme with Miguel Angel

The Stewards received a report from Turf Club Starter, D. Cullen, that Mr P.W. Mullins, rider of Arbor Des Champs, Mr L.J. McGuinness, rider of Cherryade Mr R.J. Kiely, rider of Hilly Lady Mr P.J. Cawley, rider of Kalineeta Mr J.J. King, rider of Lady Shou Mr B. Browne, rider of Minnie Gully Mr D. Roche, rider of Pursecco Mr J.P. Berry, rider of Righty Rue Mr D. Kiely, rider of Stylish Eilish Mr J.P. O'Sullivan, rider of Dynaminx Ms K. Walsh, rider of Frazel Express and Mr E.P. O'Brien, rider of Verdana Blue had failed to comply with a clear instruction to maintain a walk to the start. Evidence was heard from the starter and riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the incident and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that all 12 riders had disobeyed the starter and were therefore in breach of Rule 208. In view of their clean records the Stewards suspended Mr P.W. Mullins, Mr L.J. McGuinness, Mr R.J. Kiely, Mr P.J. Cawley, Mr J.J. King, Mr B. Browne, Mr D. Roche, Mr J.P. Berry, Mr D. Kiely, Mr J.P. O'Sullivan, Ms K. Walsh and Mr E.P. O'Brien for 1 raceday

The Stewards fined Emmet Mullins, trainer, €350 for lodging a passport in respect of Arbor Des Champs, the winner of this race, in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91.

(DM & EM)