Danny Mullins© Photo Healy Racing
Danny Mullins registered a notable success at Stratford yesterday evening, when partnering Bravewhenineedtobe to a comfortable win in the Visit racingtv.com Handicap Hurdle.
Bred by himself and previously in the care of his mother Mags, the four-year-old daughter of San Frontieres is now under the tutelage of Alastair Ralph.
A half-sister to 2015 Albert Bartlett winner Martello Tower, the Bill Hawkins-owned victor was second at Newton Abbot in July, with Mullins also aboard on that occasion.
Upped in trip for this two-mile six-furlong affair and sent off the 5/1 favourite, she tracked the leaders throughout, before improving to the front upon entering the straight.
Ridden away from the last, the 86-rated bay found plenty for pressure on the run-in and was five-lengths clear of Gone In Sixty at the line.
Speaking on Racing TV in the aftermath, Mullins, who was visiting Stratford for the first time, said: "She's not very big and that probably fits the name. She is one I actually bred myself.
"She came out of the mare limp and the vets done a job to resuscitate her and she's been brave ever since then.
"She was unlucky to bump into one in Newton Abbot the last day, but the step up to two-six probably fits the pedigree and she got the job done today.
"She travelled and jumped. Often the rubber hurdles can find a horse out if they are lacking scope, but for a pint sized one she doesn't lack in that regard.
"Around the home turn I was hoping the one beside me would stay with me down to the last, but she just pricked her ears crossing the road, threw another good lep at the last and put it to bed.
"She ran over two miles the last day on good to soft at Newton Abbot and she might be versatile to drop back in trip again when the ground gets a bit slower.
"Stratford is similar to some of the summer tracks in Ireland. It's not a huge enclosure but that creates a great atmosphere and that's what people want when they come racing.
"Some of the big winter tracks that are fit for purpose on big days can be a bit lonely on other days, while today there is a big crowd and a great vibe for people coming racing."
