Sharjah and Real Steel both crash out at the last© Photo Healy Racing
The Grade One drama continued at Leopardstown this afternoon when Whiskey Sour was gifted success in the Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle.
In a very eventful race the first shock came when even-money favourite Mengli Khan ran out through the wing at the second last flight. Real Steel was left in the lead at that penultimate hurdle but came under pressure going to the last as stable-mate Sharjah cruised upsides.
Sharjah had just edged ahead when crashing out at the final obstacle and Real Steel also fell independently on his inner.
The spoils were left for Whikey Sour to pick up as he nipped through on the inner, under David Mullins, and went on to record a fortunate 19-length success in the €85,000 contest.
The Luke McMahon-owned winner didn't go unbacked, from 20/1 in the morning into 9/1, and was making his first start since landing a double on the Flat at the Galway festival.
Drama at @LeopardstownRC! Whiskey Sour wins an eventful Grade 1 Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle: pic.twitter.com/87R7GVFEbs— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) December 27, 2017
Drama at @LeopardstownRC! Whiskey Sour wins an eventful Grade 1 Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle: pic.twitter.com/87R7GVFEbs
“I've never seen anything like it. Losing the other race in the stewards race, then Mengli Khan jumping out at the second last,” said Mullins.
“I thought at least then we'd be first, second and third going to the last and then the two of them fall individually.
“It was extraordinary stuff and I was just waiting for them to bring down our third runner and really cap the day.
“Whiskey Sour was definitely the fourth of ours coming into the race and he ends up winning it. It was just an extraordinary race.
“I said to David 'how did you miss all those horses' and he said 'it's lucky he's small'. He's probably the smallest horses in the card. It was a lucky win, end of story.
“The other two horses ran very well. Sharjah and Real Steel and they were probably lucky that Mengli Khan ran out. It was an extraordinary race and I don't know what to take from it.”
On the previous race Mullins added:- “What happened, happened, and that was it. It's great to get a winner on the day.
“The stewards disqualified him and what more is there to say. It was tough to lose it.”
David Mullins added: "It's amazing how your luck can change. I fell at the last yesterday and today it's happened to someone else. Willie also had some bad luck in the previous race as well.
"The plan was to drop him in but he fell asleep on me. I'd say the ear plugs have done the trick for him and he'll be a lot sharper the next day. They went a right good gallop.
"Luke (McMahon, owner) is a great supporter of the yard and I've grown up and come to the races with his son Aubrey. He's only a tiny horse, about 15.2, but he makes up for it in heart."
