MULLINS’ BATH RAID PAYS OFF
WILLIE MULLINS is in a league of his own when it comes to finding the right races for his horses.
He races them far and wide with Australia, Italy, France and Japan among the countries where he has had runners.
Yesterday, he found a Listed race at Bath for one of his many dual-purpose horses, True Self. She duly bolted up under Irish champion jockey Colin Keane – Mullins, as ever, using the best available.
“We spotted this race and thought it might suit her but it looked quite hot,” said the trainer. “That said, she won very nicely for Colin at Cork.”
Mullins’ son, Patrick, was gushing with praise after the race. He said: “It was a great performance, beyond even our expectations.
“She appears to really like that summer kind of ground. She wasn’t at her best during the winter months.
“Today was a bit of a shot in the dark. Her owner brought 10 or 12 in the syndicate over, so they’ve enjoyed the day.
“We’ll crank her up a grade now, and see how far we can go with her. There might not be a whole lot for her the rest of this year – but she is an exciting prospect for 2019.”
Mullins was not the only champion jumps trainer to strike at the Somerset venue.
Paul Nicholls was on target with Divin Bere, ridden by his daughter Megan. The 5lb claimer brought her mount with a strong run in the straight to land the stayers’ handicap on the card.
The five-year-old was having his first run since a wind operation and will now go novice chasing.
Towcester, meanwhile, looks set for a renaissance.
Some 25 potential buyers have expressed an interest in the course, with a sale likely to be concluded next month, according to administrators KPMG.
It was announced in August that the course – also home of the Greyhound Derby – was in trouble and was to be placed in administration. A total of 134 staff have been made redundant.
The October 10 Towcester fixture was switched instead to Southwell.