Derby (Patrick Mullins) completes a five-timer for Willie Mullins at Gowran Park© Photo Healy Racing
Willie Mullins sent out a timely warning to all that his Closutton team are in rude health ahead of the Cheltenham Festival as Derby completed a 54/1 five-timer for the champion trainer in the bumper at Gowran Park this afternoon.
His previous four winners on the day were ridden by Paul Townend, who was making a spectacular return to action having been sidelined with an ankle injury, but this time it was the trainer’s son Patrick on board.
The 1/2 favourite appeared to be in for a battle as Presented Well loomed alongside early in the straight.
However the Loughbrickland point-to-point winner found plenty when asked for an effort and drew clear inside the final furlong.
There were 11 lengths between the pair at the line, while the remaining three runners were strung out at very big gaps behind.
Willie Mullins said, “He's a fine big horse and a real chaser, he's about 17 hands. He loves testing conditions and loves jumping.
“We're looking forward to him going jumping in the future. He might just get another run in a bumper this spring and probably be put away then.
“I'd say he'll like a good ease in the ground looking at the size of him so we won't be complaining about weather like this.”
(GC & AM)
