Stilyker strikes for the Mullins machine

Champion Trainer Willie Mullins' brilliant run of form continued with Stilyker s Sligo success today, landing the Michael Reynolds Handicap Hurdle under jockey Kieran Callaghan.

Stilyker was Mullins' lowest rated horse to run in 2022 - scoring from a mark of 92 at Tramore in June and today, rated 102, made all when defeating his fellow 11/4 co-favourites runner-up Staging Post and third-placed Alphonse Le Grande

Mullins has a 51% strike-rate this new season and following the 33rd winner, jockey Callaghan commented "I wasn't going to complicate it and making the running was the most straightforward thing to do.

"He was very keen with Jack (Foley) the last day, trying to settle him in behind horses. Today we knew he was fit coming here and, on that good ground, there was no point fighting him.

"I just let him roll away and jump away and he enjoyed himself. He had to pull out a bit more because there were horses coming to him and, in fairness, he stuck his head down and galloped well to the line.”

Eager for success, Callaghan added “it's a great time for conditionals with all these races and I'll keep trying to make the most of the chances I'm getting."

Quotes from Mark Nunan