Mullins continues his Total domination

Ladbrokes Trophy winner Total Recall successfully reverted to hurdles today from a lenient mark when landing the Grade B William Fry Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown and notch the sixth winner of the Dublin Festival for his Champion Trainer Willie Mullins.

The nine year old son of Westerner was today competing over hurdles from a mark of 125, which is 31lbs below his current chase rating and while he raced far too keenly for most of the three miles trip, still had enough in hand to score a three lengths win under jockey Paul Townend.

Mullins, who recorded a four-timer yesterday and was recording a double today, later commented “he was very keen and Paul didn't anticipate a slow pace and the horse just winged one or two hurdles and then was in front. He didn't want to be fighting with him in at the back so took a chance letting him on and hoped for the best.

“You wouldn't think a three mile chaser would want to go much faster but he was going so easy.

“I think the Bobbyjo Chase is probably next and it would look like he's a Grand National horse. He is still in the Gold Cup and I'll see what way it's working out but the Bobbyjo would look Plan A at the moment.

Regarding his prospects of retaining his Trainers' Championship, from which he now trails Gordon Elliott by approximately just E250,000,, he quipped “the horses are in form; it's not over though and there's a good bit to go yet!”

What a performance - Ladbrokes Trophy winner Total Recall bolts up over hurdles for @PTownend and Willie Mullins at @LeopardstownRC: pic.twitter.com/R9mQxMyVad

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) February 4, 2018

Quotes from Alan Magee