St Stephens Green and David Mullins pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Emmett Mullins recorded the biggest success of his fledgling training career, as his St Stephens Green took the feature at Killarney this afternoon, the Grade B Redweld Stables Handicap Hurdle.
The six-year-old son of Diamond Green won his maiden hurdle over the course and distance last August, winning his maiden on the level at Dundalk in March.
He disappointed on his last start in a valuable contest at Fairyhouse over Easter, and was sent off at 16/1 this afternoon.
Settled in mid-division on the inner by David Mullins (cousin of the winning handler), he took closer order with a circuit to race.
He came with his challenge before three out and soon led, blundering over the next. He was briefly ridden before the last, and kept on well on the run-in to score comfortably by three and a quarter lengths. Chambord Du Lys (8/1) kept on to take second under Paul Townend for Willie Mullins, while The Plan Man (25/1) was another length and three parts back in third, with Davy Russell in the saddle for Tony Martin. Swamp Fox (50's to 40's on-course) completed the placings another half a length back in fourth under Barry Browne for Joe Murphy.
The 5/2 favourite Lagostovegas was disappointingly pulled up on her debut for Willie Mullins.
Emmett Mullins said afterwards: "That was brilliant and it is my biggest winner as a trainer.
"He had been disappointing with his jumping ever since he got a fall in Punchestown earlier in the year. Thankfully after he ran the last day, Willie (Mullins, uncle) and I spoke in the stableyard and gave me advice and I listened. It worked the oracle thank god but we can't let everyone know the secret!
"I'd imagine for the Mees (owners) it'll be straight to Galway and all roads lead to there. He could run in the Amateur Handicap there and after that might run in a hurdle race later in the week.
"David was brilliant on him and it was also his first ride for me."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards received a complaint from Shane Pegley, owner of Lishane, that his horse was found to have a nail in his foot post race, which he believed had been picked up in the stable yard. Evidence was heard from Shane Begley, owner, Thomas P.O.Connor, trainer, Michael Lucey, racecourse manager and Nicola O' Connor, Turf Club veterinary officer. Having considered the evidence the Stewards referred the matter to the chief executive of the turf club for further investigation. Mr.Michael Doyle, Acting Steward, absented himself from this enquiry and using their powers under Rule 9, Mr.P.Downey was appointed to act as a Steward for this enquiry.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Light That trained by Mrs John Harrington was struck into on the left hind.
R.M. Power, rider of Light That trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled.
R. Walsh, rider of Lagostovegas trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount jumped poorly and clipped heels in running.
Rachael Blackmore, rider of Linger trained by John Joseph Hanlon, reported to the Clerk of Scales that her mount ran out of racing room before the turn into the straight.
D. Meyler, rider of Look Closer trained by Miss Ellmarie Holden, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled.
M.A. Enright, rider of Lilshane trained by Thomas P.O'Connor, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly and never travelled.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that St Stephens Green trained by Emmet Mullins was lame on the left fore post race.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
