Mozoltov and Davy Russell© Photo Healy Racing
Willie Mullins broke his own year-old record for the fastest century of winners by a trainer in an Irish jumps season at Fairyhouse today when his Mozoltov won the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase, the Champion Trainer's third winner of the afternoon.
Mullins moved on to the 100 winner mark on December 16 last year and while he today beat that remarkable record by just two days, this season's achievement is far more meritorious.
Mullins himself credited much of last season's incredible run of success to the wet summer of 2012, which enabled him keep his winter horses in training for that period. However in complete contrast to those favourable ground conditions, the hot summer of 2013 followed by a dry autumn and winter, thus far, did nothing to slow the Mullins' winner-factory.
Mozoltov's easy win, under Davy Russell, was Mullins' third of the afternoon, having seen Paul Townend steer his Abbyssial and Upazo to earlier wins.
Mullins later said “I've good clients and they're a fantastic pleasure to train for; I know I'm very lucky and I have to take my hat off to the team at home who are behind everything.”
He added “I was very pleased with him (Mozoltov, running for the first time for owners Gigginstown House Stud) and was delighted we were able to retain him when he went up for sale.
“His form was good all the way through over hurdles and, today, looked a good solid jumper and learned as he went along. We wouldn't be afraid to go up in class with him and he can go up in trip and I think he'll handle any ground.”
Paddy Power later introduced Mozoltov at 20/1 for the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham.
By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson
