Mullins more than happy with Al Boum Photo after Tramore return
‘I was much happier when I analysed it at home than I was leaving the racetrack’.
Willie Mullins reports dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Al Boum Photo to have come out of his traditional season-opener at Tramore in great heart. The nine-year-old will be bidding to join an elite list of National Hunt greats in March, with Golden Miller (five times), Cottage Rake, Arkle and Best Mate the only horses to have won the blue riband more than twice. Minutes after he crossed the line on New Year’s Day, Mullins was rather nonplussed with the performance and briefly contemplated another run before March – but on reflection he feels the run was better than it appeared. “He seems great after his run,” said Mullins, speaking at Fairyhouse on Sunday. “I think the longer break, with not going to Punchestown, he was a bit more ring-rusty than we expected. “The first two miles of the race were run at two-mile pace with Djingle cutting out a fast pace. “When we put it all together I was much happier when I analysed it at home than I was leaving the racetrack. “He didn’t stop going through the line. He just idled mid-race when he had no company around him. Danny (Mullins) was way ahead on Acapella Bourgeois. “He just idled, but once he got close to him around the home turn, to beat a 150 horse 19 lengths could be as good as any performance over Christmas.”Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
‘It’s over!’ Skelton fears title hopes have gone this term
‘The reality of beating Willie is, it’s not reality, I’m afraid.’
-
Next stop the Derby for Trial winner Bellum Justum
Balding: ‘He has ticked a lot of boxes, so we don’t see the point in running him again.’
-
United FA Cup collapse inspired Mullins to stay focused
‘You can’t count your chickens. You just have to go through and keep playing.’
-
Battling Bowen vows to keep pushing title rival Cobden
Welsh rider proud to declare: ‘Whether I win or lose, I haven’t given it up.’
-
Tributes pour in for Olivier Peslier following final rides
‘He is a gentleman and has been a great ambassador for France and for all jockeys.’
-
Peslier grateful for public support on farewell appearance
‘It’s very exciting to see all the people; for me, it is gratitude to everybody for coming.’
-
Nicholls understands reasoning behind Frost’s French move
‘It just strikes me she does ride well and she doesn’t get that many opportunities.’
-
Desert Hero drops back in trip for seasonal reappearance
William Haggas: ‘It’s a nice, stiff track and it’s a good starting place for him.’
-
Macduff team expect Classic Trial test to suit
Colt moves up to 10 furlongs with Derby aspirations on the line at Sandown.
-
‘Talented’ Nostrum makes Mile return at Sandown
Connections hoping to see ‘true’ colt after a difficult 2023 campaign.