Hey Sunshine lands Listed prize for Mullins and Townend Hey Sunshine bookended what has been a fantastic week for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend when showing plenty of heart to win the Listed Lawlor's Of Naas Handicap Hurdle at Punchestown. Despite her diminutive stature the six-year-old mare proved size to be no barrier when outbattling seasoned handicappers on her first start outside of novice company. Although well beaten in a Grade 1 contest at Fairyhouse last month, the daughter of Shantou had won her first three starts over flights. In a race where British raiders Wellington Arch and Impose Toi went head-to-head up front, for a time it appeared as though the rest would struggle to get involved. However, that pair came back to the main group after the second last, yet only the eventual winner managed to pass them in the straight. Leading at the last, the well backed 11/2 chance kept on well to score by two-and-a-half lengths. Paul Townend said: "A tough performance from her. She's only pocket-sized but she jumps like a buck and has the heart of a lion. She rides with plenty of scope but she's so tough. "She keeping surprising us to be honest, with stepping up all the time. She had a nice weight on her back. The race worked out perfectly for me. "We found a lovely slot and when the two boys went on from here it spread us out and it was ideal because even though she's hardy you'd get pushed out of the way handy enough. "She did fight her corner turning in and she galloped right to the line." Aubrey McMahon, of owners Temple Bloodstock, said: “It was great. I thought she was well handicapped but I was worried if it was going to be too soon after Fairyhouse, as it was testing that day. “She’s trained by the best and ridden by the best. She’s a tough mare and a pleasure to have. “We’ve had a great year and that’s some way to round it off. Hopefully we can keep kicking forward now and it’s all thanks to the owners that are coming forward and taking shares in the horses. “We lease this filly off Victor Connolly, who owns Burgage Stud. He has Jukebox Jury and many other good stallions. It’s a fantastic result for him and I’m sure he’s looking forward to her breeding career once her racing is finished.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
