Mullins earns training plaudits with Rocky Blue

Rocky Blue hadn't been seen on the Flat for more than four years, but it proved no hindrance to him as he bolted up in the Tote Fantasy Apprentice Handicap at Ballinrobe.

His sole run in the last four years came when he unseated over hurdles in Punchestown last month.

Jack Cleary dropped him in and the pair travelled all over their rivals when looming large approaching the straight.

They soon swept by and opened up to come in by a comfortable three lengths at 9/1 (from 12s). Itsalonglongroad was booked for second at 18/1 and was a length in front of Tannery Park (14/1).

Rocky Blue was a former Grade 2 juvenile hurdle winner at Leopardstown in 2018.

Cleary said: "Fair play to Tom (Mullins, trainer) for getting him back in top form.

"He was on his toes in the parade ring so we went down early and he relaxed once he got down to the stalls.

"Tom just told me to take my time and see what way he comes home. After being off the track for nearly four years, you kind of expect him to take a run or two, but he was on the ball today.

"He's a great dual-purpose horse and has been good to Tom and the yard, so they're all delighted with him."

Mullins later added: “He was always a nice horse but is straight in front and has had tendon issues. Every time we tried to bring him back, he tweaked it again. You’d kick the door and be in bad humour for a day, but when they’re good you’ll keep going with them.

"He's not a pet exactly, but it was kind of a training thing for me just to persevere and give him every chance.

"I was to run him at Limerick a couple of weeks ago off 74, and then when I went to enter him again the handicapper had dropped him a few more pounds (ran off 64 here). You can work that one out yourself but I said I wouldn't insult anyone and go where I'm supposed to go, into a 47-65 handicap!

"He was more ready than I thought and he’s popped up but it was really just trying to get a blow into him for Galway. We'll see what we’ll do in Galway, we’ll see what the handicapper does.

"He might go for a hurdle on the Friday night, but whether he’s going to be ready enough for that, I’m not sure.”

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan