Kalum River chases down Barrington Court© Photo Healy Racing
Patrick Mullins capped a terrific day at Punchestown when landing the concluding bumper aboard the Pat Fahy-trained Kalum River
The nine-time champion amateur claimed the big prize of the day on Un De Sceaux in the Boylesports Champion Chase and made it a double on the day when delivering the Fame And Glory gelding late in the Dooley Insurances Flat Race. Barrington Court kicked for home early in the straight in the two-miler with the eventual winner looking under pressure in third.
Mullins got a good tune from the 16/1 shot inside the final furlong to get on top in the closing stages for a length-and-a-half success.
“That was unbelievable,” said Fahy.
“He showed us an awful lot after being broken and we got him sold. The heavy winter and the heavy gallops were so hard on him. It was a setback and he kind of went off I'd say.
“He worked well last week up the Curragh but he wasn't showing it at home afterwards. I thought if he had a nice run I'd be happy, fourth I'd be extremely happy.
“Patrick said he couldn't even pull him up. It's nice to get an odd surprise.
“I thought he might be free, all my horses are free in bumpers because we work up a straight and I said to him to drop him out.
“He dropped him out nowhere. He was riding that for his grand-father. His grand-father won the Oaks on this fellas grand-mother.
“He'll go hurdling next year I'd say. I'll give him a break now. Robbie Kenneally, who has a share in him, his father was buried today and I'd say his father was helping him on.
“Robbie and all his owners are at the funeral. There are all from between Clare and Limerick.”
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
