King Of Firth & Danny Mullins jump a hurdle on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
After combining to record three winners at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival, Mag and Danny Mullins added another success this afternoon as they took the opening race at Fairyhouse, the New Year Maiden Hurdle, with King Of Firth
The 6yo son of Flemensfirth won a bumper at Galway on his fourth career start and finished sixth on his hurdling debut behind stablemate Anonis at Leopardstown last week.
Having opened at 4/1 with Paddy Powers this morning, the winner was well supported and opened on track at just 9/4 before going off the 2/1 favourite.
He made all the running and was clear early in the race. His advantage was reduced at the third last but he kept on well for pressure in the home straight to score by two lengths at the line. Pyrus Gold Wind finished second at 12/1 under Paul Carberry for Stephen Mahon while the early morning favourite Smithfield (3/1) finished a further half a length back in third on his first start for Jessica Harrington with Robbie Power in the saddle.
Mag Mullins said afterwards: "I’m delighted with that. He was a bit green the last day and again today but he did it well. The plan was to sit second or third but nobody wanted to make it. He will have learned a lot from making it.
"We will see how he comes out of this and it’s great for his owners, Antoinette, Michael and Pierce. They have had a great week."
(Additional reporting by Gary Carson)
