Saint Sam and Rachael Blackmore pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Saint Sam completed a double for Willie Mullins as he easily dismissed his two rivals in the Tramore Racecourse Directors Chase.
Rachael Blackmore came in for the ride on the clear 2/11 favourite, with Paul Townend reportedly sore after his fall from Dark Raven at Aintree yesterday.
Sent straight to the front, the son of Saint Des Saints made all under Blackmore, racing in a clear lead throughout, coming home 20 lengths to the good in the colours of Edward Ware.
The battle for second went the way of Halsafari (12/1), with Minella Escape (6/1) a further three lengths away in last.
"That was great for Saint Sam and Rachael," Mullins, who was back on course for the first time since hip replacement surgery, stated.
"Rachael said he just jumped from fence to fence and that he loved it. We will mix it between hurdles and fences for the next short while anyway.
"I really want to go longer trips with him and teach him how to settle. That tactic wouldn't have worked today though, but it will have to in the future if he is to improve his capabilities over fences and hurdles.
"Rachael said he was just looking everywhere wanting to gallop. She never got a chance to get him settled. That’s the nature of the beast. He loves jumping and galloping but his pedigree suggests he'd stay a lot longer. We need to temper his enthusiasm a bit."
On Townend, Mullins added: "Paul is very sore. He is arm is very sore after his fall from Dark Raven yesterday. He is going to take a day or two off. He won’t ride today or tomorrow."
