Jeroboam Machin and Patrick Mullins win the Fairyhouse Flat race Healy Racing © Photo Healy Racing
Trainer Emmet Mullins and owner Paul Byrne look to have unearthed another potential star in the shape of Jeroboam, a taking winner of the concluding Fairyhouse Point-To-Point IMH Flat Race at the County Meath track.
A half-brother to black type chaser Joyeux Machin, the four-year-old was bought from Cormac Doyle after winning his point-to-point at Durrow in March.
Always towards the front end under Patrick Mullins this afternoon, the Joshua Tree gelding moved up travelling strongly to head leader Minella Staycation entering the straight.
However, market leader D B Cooper covered that move, arriving alongside at the two furlong marker. At that point, it soon became clear that the Mullins trained runner was going easily the better and as soon as his jockey asked for more, the response was instant.
Keeping on strongly inside the last furlong, Jeroboam Machin had four-and-a-quarter lengths in hand of his chief rival at the line.
“He's a nice horse, he came well recommended from Cormac (Doyle) and did it well in his point-to-point,” said Mullins.
“He's not the flashiest horse at home but no matter what we worked him with, whether it be lesser lights or better horses, he was always there within half a length of them.
“He just gives what's asked of him and hopefully he could have a big future. He doesn't show much at home but thankfully he does it on the track.
“Patrick knew the craic with him at home and felt that he'd give him a good education here today, hopefully he'll come on plenty for it.
“He's a lovely big horse and I'd imagine he'll go over hurdles now. He could go for a maiden hurdle at Christmas, he likes soft ground and operates on that. We'll take it from there.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
