Fiona Mullins celebrates her first winner with from left, cousin Danny, brother Emmet and cousin Patrick Mullins© Photo Healy Racing
First Friday hit a high of 109/1 in-running in the ladies handicap over an extended mile and a half at Tipperary, but he obviously wasn’t listening as he powered away from his rivals for a comprehensive seven length win.
The four-year-old son of High Chapparal came in at 16/1 for trainer Paul Hennessy and jockey Fiona Mullins. This was Fiona’s first ride and first winner.
She is a sister of Emmet Mullins and her father George is a brother of Willie and Tony Mullins.
She is 18 and has quite a bit of experience showjumping and riding out.
Paul Hennessy said: “That win is absolutely priceless. George and myself have been friends for years. I was best man at his wedding and he was best man at mine.
“Fiona gave him a great ride and he went right away. I couldn’t believe it when he went right away in the straight.”
He led early and then was given a breather in third but when he picked it up again a furlong and a half out the race was never in doubt. Apache Drums and Nina Carberry won the race for minor honours at 3/1 (from 9/2 in the morning) and he beat third-placed Catch Light (12/1) by a length and three parts. All About Alfie was the 11/4 favourite, but he came home fourth.
(on course reporting by Alan Magee)
