Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
FAMILY AFFAIR
PATRICK Mullins delivered a Grade 1 double for his father Willie on board Wicklow Brave and Bacardys as part of a spectacular 535/1 treble for both trainer and rider on Day 4 of the Punchestown Festival. The two big-race victories, the highlight of Patrick’s career, put the nine-time champion trainer ahead of Gordon Elliott (successful earlier with Definite Ruby) in the title race. And Mullins now holds a €91,295 lead going into today’s season finale. “The horse took off and Patrick decided to go with him,” said the winning trainer after Wicklow’s win. “Patrick winning the race means so much to me. It wasn’t the prizemoney that was on my mind watching the race. “The plan was to go back on the flat in York next month but he was needed more here,” quipped Mullins after his seventh success in the race in eight years. And, after Patrick delivered Bacardys with a determined late challenge to foil flattering favourite Finian’s Oscar (a rare setback for Robbie Power, successful earlier on Woodland Opera), Mullins said: “Patrick rode the race of his life to get up.” Finian’s Oscar had quickened clear off the home-turn but a deliberate jump at the last opened the door for the chasing Bacardys. And Mullins (who received a two-day whip ban) seized his opportunity, getting up to triumph by a short-head. The Mullins treble was completed when Patrick galvanised long-time leader Montalbano, having been headed by River Light (Ruby Walsh) on the run-in, rallying to score by a neck in the Donohoe Marquees Novice Hurdle. Mullins is now two behind Jamie Codd in the race for the amateur title. And, reflecting on the day’s achievements, Mullins said: “If it comes to pass that we win the championship, then Patrick’s winners today will make it all the more special.”