Winter Fog pictured with connections © Photo Healy Racing
Despite some wayward hurdling, Winter Fog ultimately got the job done in the feature at Cork this evening, the RBC Brewin Dolphin Hurdle.
Successful on his debut for Willie Mullins at Leopardstown over Christmas, the Papal Bull nine-year-old disappointed on his most recent start at Kilbeggan, finishing second when sent off favourite in a beginners chase.
Returning to the smaller obstacles this evening and back up in trip to three miles, the 148-rated bay was sent off the clear favourite at 1/2.
Given a patient ride by Kieran Callaghan, he made steady headway to lead entering the straight and despite jumping badly right at the next two, he fought off the challenge of Gallant John Joe on the run-in, asserting in the closing stages to prevail by two-and-three-parts of a length.
Returned a 13/2 chance, Gallant John Joe had to settle for second, while Ambitious Fellow ran a nice race to take third, another four-and-quarter lengths behind.
"He was very well in at the weights and the race conditions suited - you couldn't have written it better," Patrick Mullins commented.
"He can jump a little to his right and we kept him out left to stay on nicer ground. Kieran is a very good rider and has now lost his 7lb claim. He is a brilliant rider, is improving all the time and Willie is going to give him plenty of chances.
He added: "He will keep mixing it and he could go back on the flat in Galway. I still think he will win a beginners chase. He is not a natural over fences but will win a beginners' before the end of the summer.
"It is brilliant to get a win, he is a real fun horse who is owned by the three-member The Triple Lock Partnership which includes James Lochran, who I went to school with and his friends Ian and Ronnie Lawrie."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
