Colreevy is driven out by Patrick Mullins to complete a six-timer for his dad Willie© Photo Healy Racing
On what felt like a momentous day in Irish racing history, never mind the impact on the exciting trainers’ championship, Willie Mullins completed a 9,802/1 six-timer at Punchestown as Colreevy justified favouritism in the Weatherbys General Stud Book Irish EBF Mares Bumper.
A first ever six-timer for the master of Closutton meant a deficit of €405,839 at the start of the day is now an advantage of €48,161 over great rival Gordon Elliott as Mullins bagged half a million euro in prizemoney on day two of the Festival.
Colreevy travelled supremely well under Patrick Mullins, who oozed confidence on the 7/4 favourite as he loomed up alongside Black Tears entering the straight.
The daughter of Flemensfirth found plenty when asked for her effort, and stayed on strongly inside the final furlong to score by five and a half lengths. Tintangle trained like Black Tears by Elliott, was a further five lengths away in third.
Mullins’ six-timer included the Grade 1 wins of Next Destination Tornado Flyer and the Coral Punchestown Gold Cup victory of Bellshill
Mullins said, "Punchestown has been very good to me over the years but to have a day like this on Gold Cup day it’s just the stuff of dreams.
“You couldn’t think this could happen. I was coming here today hoping to get a winner or two on the board and keep in touch. The horses are in good form, the riders are in good form and that puts the owners in good form.
“I’m just delighted for everyone. I’m delighted for Paul Townend to ride smashing winners, for Patrick and Richie Deegan, delighted for all my owners. It’s just been an extraordinary day, you couldn’t write it. It’s like fantasy racing for the want of a better word.
“There’s another three days and I’m probably looking forward to it more now than I was yesterday. I don’t think I will get out of my local (Lord Bagenal) tonight!”
