Patrick Mullins © Photo Healy Racing
Neil Mulholland saddled two runners at Cheltenham’s November meeting and left with two winners as Transmission followed up Double Powerful’s win on Friday under a terrific waiting ride from Patrick Mullins in the Steel Plate & Sections Ltd Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase.
Mulholland is enjoying a real purple patch at the moment – Double Powerful was winning his sixth race in succession – but Transmission had gone close at Cheltenham’s October fixture when second to Hyland.
The fact Nicky Henderson’s novice won on Friday’s card in better company boosted the form and saw Transmission sent off the 11-4 favourite, although coming down the hill he still had five in front of him.
Java Point hit the front at the second-last but when Mullins pulled his mount out, he quickened up to win by a length and a half.
“Patrick was absolutely brilliant on him, what an unbelievable ride. I’m really happy,” said Mulholland.
“He just crept away and he knows where the winning post is doesn’t he. He actually texted me for the ride. The entries were out Monday and he texted Monday afternoon.
“Paul (McKeon) the owner had Renegade with Willie (Mullins) who won the Cheltenham Bumper so they’ve got connections as well, but Paul is a great supporter of ours. When I told him Patrick had been on he said ‘say no more’.
“Maybe we can look at things like the National Hunt Chase long-term. That was the plan today. We wanted to give him a couple of runs here maybe with something like that in mind.
“He had course and distance form, he had a run under his belt and he had a top amateur so he had a lot going for him. We try to tick as many boxes as possible and it paid off.”
Dan and Harry Skelton won the Arkle Trial with the impressive L’Eau Du Sud and doubled up with 5-4 favourite Doyen Quest in the From The Horses Mouth Podcast Handicap Hurdle.
A slow pace meant there were still plenty in with chances coming down the hill, with Doyen Quest behind a wall of horses.
Second in the Silver Trophy last time out, Doyen Quest quickened up impressively and eventually pulled five lengths clear of Gowel Road.
“There was one jump that was highly unnecessary, but he’s a progressive stayer, that was his first try at the trip,” said Dan Skelton.
“He’s come a long way in 12 months as this time last year he hadn’t run over hurdles.
“Short-term we’ll confirm him for the £100,000 race at Haydock (Betfair Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle) and see where the road takes us.”
Billy Lee is a multiple Group One-winning Flat jockey and his class showed as he steered Seo Linn (5-2) to a striking success in the closing Listed mares’ bumper.
Trained by Paddy Twomey, another better known for his exploits on the level, the winner looked a smart prospect in pulling five lengths clear.
“Paddy asked a couple of weeks ago if I wanted to come to Cheltenham and I said definitely, it’s always nice to come here – especially when you’re not facing hurdles!” said Lee.
“It was my fourth ride here, I had a few over hurdles many years ago but she’s my first winner. Watching the Festival here as a kid it’s a dream to have a winner here.
“I don’t think Paddy has any more bumper horses though so that will be it.”
