Newtown Anner & Mullins get off to the perfect start Newtown Anner Stud’s first runner with champion trainer Willie Mullins proved a winning one as Smokin Aces recorded a debut success in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Academy Hurdle at Punchestown. Destinedforhistory ran keenly and set a strong pace until weakening quickly before two out, although Brian Hayes was pushing along Smokin Aces to keep in touch. The Galiway filly, purchased for 220,000 guineas as a yearling, finished strongest on the run-in and got on top in the closing stages to beat Choir Girl by a length and a quarter. Ophelia Hall came home well a further three lengths away in third. Newtown Anner Stud were represented by their racing manager PJ Colville who said, “That was nice, our first runner for Willie, so a nice start. The opportunity came up with this race, so we went for it. “We'll talk to Willie and we'll see. He'll make the plan. There is probably something there for her at Christmas. “She needs a bit more experience, she was very green and raw there today. It was nice to tick the box and get that done.” Quotes by John O'Riordan
