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Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

Ardla picks up well to win for Halford and Mullins

Wed 9th Sep 2020, 17:27

               Ardla and Patrick Mullins Ardla and Patrick Mullins
© Photo Healy Racing

The Swordlestown (C&G) Flat Race went to 8/1 chance Ardla in the hands of Patrick Mullins.

Short of room behind the leaders early in the straight, the Delegator 5-year-old was switched right over a furlong out and powered home to pass several rivals and score by two and a quarter lengths from long-time leader Knockmoylan (13/2). Summer Tide was third with the 9/4 favourite Ballymoney green and off the bridle a fair way out, in fourth place.

It was a rare bumper runner for winning trainer Michael Halford who said: “I’m thrilled for his owner Fiona Wentges. She’s been a long time friend of ours and worked for the late Anthony Powell and then came and worked for us.

“He’s a big raw horse but has always showed a bit of pace and a good attitude at home. It’s been that long since we had a bumper horse that I didn’t know what to expect but we started off by getting the right man so that was a help.

“In fairness Jamie Codd rode him in a bit of work about a month ago and told me he liked him.

“He showed us a bit of pace and we weren’t too sure whether he would stay or not. When we stretched him out and brought him away to the Curragh it looked like all he’d do was gallop.

“He’s a work in progress and I’d say there is a lot to come from him. When he was able to do that with all we have done with him he has to be smart enough.

“He’ll go for a winners bumper and we’ll see what happens.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.