Mullins one two and brace completed for Closutton A half-brother to the high-class Jungle Boogie, Sunset Boulevard delivered on his first start over jumps to give Willie Mullins a Tramore double in the Start Your Racing TV Free Month Trial Now Maiden Hurdle. Jungle Boogie won the feature here on New Year's Day in 2024 for Malcolm Denmark, and Sunset Boulevard also carries the familiar silks of the English advertising executive and media owner. Himself and stable companion and favourite Ellis Mor had a good duel from two out. Ultimately the 16/5 winner, in the hands of Sean O'Keeffe, proved strongest, scoring by three parts of a length, with the pair clear. "It was great and a super finish. Sean O'Keeffe was brilliant on Sunset Boulevard, he got a great jump at the last. I thought Ellis Mor was coming to beat him, but he toughed it out. I think he is a horse that will improve the further he goes and probably over fences as well," commented Patrick Mullins in the aftermath. "The runner-up is a horse that will improve going forward and again for fences. Both owners will have plenty of fun in the months ahead." Half-an-hour earlier May Call You Back initiated the Mullins brace with Brian Hayes up. Owing to the low lying sun, the Raceday Stewards granted permission for hurdle number four to be omitted from race six. The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident jumping the second last hurdle involving Ellis Mor, ridden by B. Hayes, placed second, and Sunset Boulevard, ridden by S.F. O'Keeffe, placed first, where it appeared they came close together on landing. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. (DM & EM)
