Balinaboola Prince (left) and Grangeclare Rosa fight out a terrific finish© Photo Healy Racing
Danny Mullins, successful half-an-hour earlier on Last Encounter trained by his mother Mags, completed a quickfire double at Wexford and this time it was his dad Tony that supplied the winner as Balinaboola Prince came out best in the Hen & Stag Parties At Wexford Racecourse Maiden Hurdle.
Last Encounter recorded a wide margin victory but Mullins had to work much harder on this occasion as the 9/4 favourite just got up in the final stride.
It was a real family affair for the Mullins' in every respect as Tony's brother Willie was for once on the receiving end as Grangeclare Rosa was edged out by a head in a terrific finish to this three-mile event. Star In The Dark was a further eight lengths adrift in third.
The victory was also a memorable one for owner Seamus Tobin, who saw his colours carried to success for the first time after many years of trying.
Tony Mullins said, "I think it is close on forty years since the owner had his first runner and that is his first winner. I think Ferdy Murphy claimed off his first runner! So it is very exciting for him to have a winner. He is a farmer and next door neighbour at home. He has had many second but that is his first winner.
"Danny thinks he will improve as he was a bit inexperienced. We might go to Killarney or maybe we will have a big day with him in Galway.
"He is a typical Luso in that he keeps at it. It is amazing for a big horse but he has to have good ground."
(DM & AM)
