The performance of third placed Miss Toulon in the Market Square Maiden Hurdle at Thurles today was the main talking point with the horse's trainer Paddy Mullins calling time on a long and distinguished training career, in a no-frills send off.
The news that Mullins was to retire was initially reported by commentator Des Scahill in-running with Mullins himself confirming the news in the unsaddling area.
The 86 year old mentioned 'it was getting a little bit too much recently and I decided not to renew my license. That was my last runner and my son Tom is taking over the training of all my horses on Monday.'
Mullins successful in the Gold Cup with Dawn Run in 1986 and in four Irish Grand Nationals, nominated Hurry Harriett's win in the 1973 English Champion Stakes as the highlight of his training career but did mention 'I'll be in the yard alright, keeping an eye on Tom!'
The maiden hurdle itself was won by Dessie Hughes' Poker Pal. Hughes, one of many to pay tribute to Paddy Mullins, reported that the winner 'had an operation on his palate following his poor run at Leopardstown last month.'
Appropriately, two of Paddy Mullins' sons, Tony and Willie, were both on the scoresheet, with Tony's Barrow Drive winning the thurlesraces.ie Hurdle and Willie's Joueur D'Estruval landing the Killinan Handicap Hurdle.
Although better known as a decent chaser, Barrow Drive overcame a hurdling absence of over three years to gain an impressive win 13 length win over Simon.
However, the 9yo gelding looked under pressure as early as the third hurdle but kept responding to Conor O'Dwyer's urgings to eventually get to the front before the third last flight, maintaining the galloping to the line.
Tony Mullins himself was attending the wedding to Jamie Spencer and Emma Ramsden but was represented by assistant John Hanlon who reported 'we didn't think he'd win that easy!'
He added 'he jumped his hurdles perfectly but will go back chasing at Navan next Saturday. There are not enough races for horses like him, being rated too high for handicaps.'
Willie Mullins' Joueur D'Estruval won the Killinan Handicap Hurdle under Barry Geraghty.
Mullins later reported 'it's hard to know what to do with him now but he'll probably mix it between hurdling and chasing with Fairyhouse or Punchestown on the cards.'
Jockey Eddie Power recorded his first win as a professional, on Tom Hogan's Best Away, in the Archerstown Novice Handicap Hurdle (division 1).
After the win, Hogan was strong in his praise of Power who he described as 'a great rider and a very good judge of a stride. He has a bright future.'
The opening Holy Cross Maiden Hurdle saw a minor surprise when Steve Mahon's Impartial (8/1SP, 39/1 on the Tote and 29/1 for a place) overturned disappointing 4/5 favourite Sound Blaster.
According to Mahon 'we bought him for just 3,000 guineas at Newmarket sales last October but he looked the type to stay well over two miles. He's a tough horse who should come on a bit from that run.'
Trainer Eric McNamara, whose Strangely Brown holds a good chance in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham next month, was on the mark with Compo in division two of the Archerstown Novice Handicap Hurdle.
