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Ballycashin opens her account for Tony and Danny Mullins

16 5 24 Clonmel Ballycashin and Danny Mullins win the Talbot Hotel Clonmel Handicap Hurdle Healy Racing Photo16 5 24 Clonmel Ballycashin and Danny Mullins win the Talbot Hotel Clonmel Handicap Hurdle Healy Racing Photo
© Photo Healy Racing

Trained by Tony Mullins and ridden by his son Danny, Ballycashin landed some tidy wagers for supporters when coming from well off the pace to win the Talbot Hotel Clonmel Handicap Hurdle.

The seven-year-old, who made her handicap debut when fifth in the corresponding event 12 months ago, had run a promising race on her return from a short break when sixth at Punchestown recently.

Available at 14/1 overnight, those prices didn't last long, as the mare was quickly cut to single figures, being supported down to 10/3f before the off.

Held up in rear in the early part of the contest, Mullins moved closer on the wide outside entering the home straight, picking up stylishly to lead at the penultimate flight.

Despite jumping to her right at that obstacle, the mare stayed on well up the hill to win by six lengths from Early Arrival

Tony Mullins said: “We were thinking a Flemensfirth wanted soft ground and I’d say she’s a better mare on a bit of nice ground.

“Danny decided to ride her chilly out the back to let her get into a rhythm and she won well.

“We were surprised that she hasn’t done that up to now but I’d say we were riding her wrong and on the wrong ground. We might continue for the summer.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.

About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.