Rising Dust lands Listowel gamble for Mullins Runner-up on his stable debut for Emmet Mullins last time, Rising Dust went one better when landing a tidy gamble in the Kathleen Walsh Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Listowel. Available at 5/2 early doors, the seven-year-old was supported into 5/4f to land a second course victory for owner Donal O'Connor. Formerly in the care of the now retired Michael Hourigan, the gelding opened his account at this track in June of last year. Prominent throughout on this occasion under jockey Donagh Meyler, Rising Dust headed leader Mother Ship after the third last. Travelling strongly into the straight, the eventual winner powered clear from two out to beat Toor Moon by eight lengths. Emmet Mullins said: "He was off the track for over a year before his Kilbeggan run the last day, so was entitled to improve, although they don't always do it. An 80/1 chance (Whatyouwant) beat us fair and square, so we had no complaints. That's racing and it'll happen again!" "Earlier this week, it was nice to be able to tell Donal (O'Connor, owner) that I thought he had improved and his homework had gone up another grade. "He galloped through the line strong, is going the right way and just wants a true-run race. He seems to have one gear and is fit and well now." Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.
