Lee Valley Legacy and Danny Mullins© Photo Healy Racing
Danny Mullins doubled his score on New Year’s Day 2020 when taking the Fairyhouse Launches New Brand In 2020 Handicap Hurdle aboard Lee Valley Legacy
Mullins won for his uncle Willie earlier on Drury and after that all-the-way-success this was a win of the more hard-earned variety, though also off the front end.
With first-time cheek-pieces on the David Eiffe owned and bred Lee Valley Legacy fended off Askann on the run-in by half a length.
Dermot McLoughlin trains the victorious Kalanisi mare and he said: "She kept going, enjoyed the ground, got a handy enough lead and kept picking up.
“She stays well, is tough and genuine, so that's half the battle.
“We'll see how she is now, freshen her up, and go again. She's consistent and tough so we'll keep trying with her.
“She had been running on real winter ground up to this but I'd say she appreciated that easier ground. She's not a big filly, she's small and compact but she'd hardy.”
B. Browne, rider of Ard Na Carraig (GB) trained by Oliver McKiernan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped quickly.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Kayf Thou (GB), trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be coughing post race.
(GC & EM)
