Jack Foley savours Punchestown double
Young rider on the mark for Tom Mullins.
Jack Foley had only ridden one winner on his arrival at Punchestown on Sunday, but he left on a high after partnering a double with Chavi Artist and Grand Partner for Tom Mullins. A former showjumper and amateur jockey, Foley, 21, was seen to great effect on Chavi Artist (7-1) in Ryans Cleaning Handicap Chase, getting some great leaps out of his mount to win by four lengths. “I’m with Tom full-time and only had two rides as a professional before today,” said Foley, who had a winner as an amateur last month. Mullins said: “Jack was with me five years ago as an apprentice and rode Fosters Cross at Dundalk. He’s come back to me this summer and is a different man altogether now. “He said he’d do anything to have a crack at being a jockey. He’s put in a lot of work, I’ve given him his opportunity and it’s working out.” Of Chavi Artist, Mullins added: “He was threatening to win one on his last few runs. Discordantly got away on him in Galway and he would have been a good bit closer only for that. He was first reserve in the Troytown last week, but didn’t get in.“He’s such a fresh horse he might take his chance in the Porterstown in Fairyhouse. Hopefully we’ll have the same rider, if he can do the weight.” Grand Partner came with a late rattle to win the Guinness Handicap Hurdle at 33-1. Mullins said: “It was a lovely race for him and even though it was right-handed, I let him take his chance. Most of his wins were at Leopardstown or left-handed tracks. “It’s a bit of a surprise, but he’s been working well since his last run. He’s come down in the weights and Jack was good on him.” Willie Mullins, Tom’s brother, dominated the Listed Frontline Security Grabel Mares Hurdle with only a pixel separating Buildmeupbuttercup (3-1) and stablemate Elimay. Mullins said: “Fitness probably just won it on the day. Paul (Townend on the winner) had to go when he did, but he’d prefer to wait longer. She stuck her head out on the line. “It’s good to know she can stay that sort of trip on this ground. She’s had a busy season and I’ll have to have a think about where she goes next. I don’t want to run her again soon. “Elimay will mix it over fences and hurdles. It was hard to take it up so far out having her first run of the season, but she was very unlucky.”
Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Ramatuelle ruled out of Breeders’ Cup Mile bid
French ace scratched from Del Mar contest following veterinary advice.
-
Horse Racing
Yahagi has every faith Forever Young is ready for Classic battle
‘Perfect preparation’ for Kentucky Derby third heading into City Of Troy clash.
-
Exciting times as Brighterdaysahead starts off at Down Royal
‘One step at a time’ for Grade One-winning mare, who was expected to go chasing this season.
-
Joseph O’Brien expecting Classic show from ‘right type’ Troy
But Kieren Fallon sounding note of caution ahead of Del Mar blockbuster.
-
Grand Sefton not on the agenda for Minella Drama
Donald McCain happy to wait for other targets with Old Roan winner.
-
Eydon back on familiar ground at Newmarket this weekend
High-class five-year-old was fourth in the 2000 Guineas two years ago.
-
Charlie Appleby launching dual assault on Juvenile Turf
Aomori City and Al Qudra chasing Breeders’ Cup gold at Del Mar.
-
Wathnan juveniles all set for Breeders’ Cup battle
And Mick Appleby hunting race repeat, this time with Big Mojo.
-
‘It will be great if he could win’ – Bin Suroor rooting for City Of Troy
Godolphin trainer knows what it is like to come close to Breeders’ Cup Classic glory.
-
Hobson ‘can’t wait’ to unleash Fugitif at Cheltenham
Paddy Power Gold Cup again the aim for Prestbury Park fan.