Agusta Gold and Danny Mullins (nearside)© Photo Healy Racing
Produced beautifully off a 320 day break by Mags Mullins Agusta Gold (14s into 10s) landed the Grade Three John & Chich Fowler Memorial EBF Mares Chase at Fairyhouse.
Ridden by the trainer’s son Danny, the successful daughter of Gold Well got the best of an exciting tussle with Moyhenna by half a length.
Odds-on favourite Salsaretta disappointed badly, finishing last of the five.
“It was a good performance. We thought that she might need the run, on her first run back in a competitive race like that,” said Danny Mullins.
“She was very solid last year, and tough. This kind of track and big fences seems to suit her so hopefully we'll have a crack at some of those good staying chases through the spring. She's a mare going the right way.
“She was a Grade B winner over hurdles and graded placed last year so to get the graded win over fences is great.
“The Irish National was the plan last year but it got cut short. Hopefully that could be the plan again.”
Paddy Power make Agusta Gold and Moyhenna 20/1 shots for the Mares Chase at Cheltenham.
Salsaretta is 20/1 from 8s.
P. Townend, rider of Salsaretta (FR) trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled and got tired.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Salsaretta (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.
(GC & EM)
