Emmet Mullins doubles up with McLaurey

Emmet Mullins doubled up on day two at the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown when the JP McManus-owned McLaurey justified favouritism on his handicap debut in the Timeless Sash Windows Handicap Hurdle.

The Jukebox Jury gelding went to post 3/1 market leader in the two-miler, having won his maiden hurdle at Limerick over Christmas.

Mark Walsh, recording his third winner of the weekend, produced his mount to challenge at the final flight and he led on the run-in to post a length success over the staying on Storm Heart

Mullins said:- “I was sure I had an improving horse coming here today. He’s definitely improved every run.

“He’s mentally not there yet, although Mark said today was the first time he ever travelled in a race.

“First time running in a big handicap here, the few non-runners played to our strengths and the slow ground over two miles. I think he’s a horse that can stretch out in trip over time.

“I think there is a big engine in there and we are only scratching at the surface.

“He’s still a big baby.

“I didn’t think two miles might be his cup of tea first time in a handicap, but it was a 150,000 pot and he had the mark to get in here.

“I was keen for him to run, and he’d learn if it didn’t happen for him today. It’s just great that it has, and he’s a horse going the right way.”

Mullins had also landed the opening mares handicap hurdle with Vischio

(Quotes by Alan Magee)