A fitting Mullins 1-2-3 in the Grabel Hurdle Ruby Walsh brought an unusual 15-ride winless spell to an end with success on Stormy Ireland (5/4 favourite) in the Listed Frontline Security Grabel Mares Hurdle at Punchestown. Completing a double for her trainer Willie Mullins after the Craddockstown success for the Paul Townend-ridden Voix du Reve, Stormy Ireland was impressive from the front under Walsh. Again we were missing out on the hurdles down the back owing to the low-lying sun, but Stormy Ireland was going to be difficult to beat, whatever way it was served up to her. The Sullivan Bloodstock Limited-owned four-year-old asserted at her ease approaching the straight, scooting away to defeat stable companion Good Thyne Tara (15/8 into 13/8) by eight and a half lengths. Ria D’Etel (10/1 into 8/1) completed a clean-sweep for Mullins, five lengths back in third. “She seems to have improved hugely from last season. The summer break has done her good,” said Mullins. “She had a few very hard races last season. I thought she looked much stronger and she looked a little tubby, I thought, in the parade ring beforehand. “Being able to do that, while looking like that, I think she'll improve. “Ruby changed the bit on her before the race and put a kinder bit on her. She accepted it better. “We'll try and plan for the future now. I'm trying to figure out what kind of a race we'll go for now as she's only four. “We might look for a four-year-old race rather than take on the older horses. I'd imagine we'll keep her to mares races. “Good Thyne Tara ran her race and she probably wants a longer trip at this stage of her career. “We were very pleased with Ria D'etel. We'll look for a race for her and she wants a longer trip as well.” (GC & EM)
