The Mullins family dominated proceedings at a bitterly cold Thurles yesterday when saddling six of the seven winners, with Willie taking the lions share thanks to a 97/1 four-timer.
Balla Sola was the highest rated performer in action, and he duly justified even money favouritism when making all in the opening Kilcullen Novice Chase. The former Triumph Hurdle runner-up was left clear after the challenging Glenelly Gale unseated Conor O'Dwyer five out.
O'Dwyer sustained a 'muscular neck injury', and has been stood down at least until Sunday by Turf Club Medical Officer Walter Halley. 'Conor is having x-rays later today. If the results are okay, he will have physio on his neck, and I will see him again before racing at Leopardstown on Sunday,' said Halley.
'We decided to change tactics, and he was much sharper today,' said Willie Mullins, who nominated the Arkle Chase at Leopardstown (January 21) as a likely next target.
Knights Of Kerry earned an 8/1 quote with Cashmans for the four mile National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham after taking the Barrettstown Beginners Chase. The six-year-old gelding, successful in a point-to-point at Bruff last year and the first winner under rules bred by racing photograper Liam Healy, survived mistakes at the last two fences to beat Final Finish by three lengths.
Ruby Walsh, now on the 59 winner mark for the season, shared a treble with Willie Mullins when also partnering Supreme Schemer in the Fairyland Novice Handicap Hurdle. The seven-year-old mare, who will be covered by Bob Back next month, appreciated the addition of a tongue tie when beating Leopard Rock by three quarters of a length. Assessed completed a memorable day for Willie when justifying favouritism on his debut in the bumper.
Tony Mullins is considering a tilt at the Thyestes Chase later this month at his local track in Gowran with Be Home Early, who recorded his third win this season in the Carrick Hill Handicap Chase. David Casey eased his mount down after the last for a four length victory over Grange Leader.
Charlie Swan was aboard the second leg of the Tony Mullins double in the Watch House Cross Maiden Hurdle, adopting front-running tactics on 9/10 favourite Five Of Hearts. The five-year-old mare gave punters their only anxious moment when hitting the second last but soon back on an even keel to beat Red Setter by six lengths.
'Charlie said she wasn't happy on the ground. Her homework suggests she is improving, and we will step her up in grade next time,' said Tony Mullins.
Swan completed his own double half-an-hour later when Murolook, trained and ridden by the Cloughjordan maestro, held off Native Beat by a length in the Carnalway Maiden Hurdle.
