Willie Mullins lands New Year's Day six-timer to enjoy great start to 2025

It was the perfect start to the year for Willie Mullins

By: irishmirror.ie

Jan 01 2025
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Willie Mullins lands New Year'

2024 saw Willie Mullins conquer all before him. The Closutton maestro was crowned champion trainer on both sides of the Irish Sea as he celebrated victories in the Champion Hurdle, Gold Cup and Grand National.

And 2025 got off to a great start for him on Wednesday as he enjoyed a six-timer across Tramore and Fairyhouse.

More Coko got the ball rolling for the 68-year-old by landing the David Flynn Construction Maiden Hurdle at Tramore under Brian Hayes, while Embassy Gardens won the feature race of the day, the O'Driscoll's Irish Whiskey New Year's Day Chase, at the Waterford track under Michael O'Sullivan.

Having his first run in open company, Monty's Star was sent off the 4/5 favourite for the Grade 3 contest having finished runner-up to Fact To File and Spillane's Tower at Cheltenham and Punchestown respectively last season, but himself and Rachael Blackmore couldn't get the better of Embassy Gardens (9/1) as Mullins won the race for the sixth time in eight years - four of those successes coming through Al Boum Photo.

The nine-year-old started his chasing career last season and was runner-up in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival after two prior victories earlier in the term.

Embassy Gardens took up the lead immediately and put plenty of space between himself and his rivals, a margin that may have been reduced but was never closed as he won by an easy five lengths.

“I just said to Mikey today that if there was nobody going on to bounce out and be positive on him,” said Mullins, who was watching on from Fairyhouse.

“He loves jumping, loves galloping and loves that ground.

“He had an easier task than his owner. When I was talking to Sean Mulryan (owner) he said he was on holiday with nine grandchildren and no television signal!.

“I thought last year he was a Grand National horse and that’s why we went for the National Hunt Chase, but I’m not sure that real extended trips suit him.

“I’m thinking is he better off being positive over two and a half to three miles rather than three and a half.

“He seems to run better fresh and we’ll have to factor all that into where he goes next. It’s great to have him back in that sort of form.”

The winning rider added: “It was brilliant. He gave me a super feel. He’s a dude of a horse. He jumped and galloped away, and he’d have gone round again.

“We were hopeful coming here. Dave Porter and Georgia, who look after him, were very happy with him. He was probably forward enough for his first run, and he just go into a lovely rhythm.

“Coming down the hill, I couldn’t believe how easy I was going. I had plenty left in the tank, and he winged the last and won quite snugly.

“I think he wasn’t right at the end of last season, but he’s a gorgeous horse, so I’d say there’s plenty of big ones in him.”

Away from Tramore, Mullins landed a further four races at Fairyhouse, with Paul Townend guiding favourites Aurora Vega (10/11), Sounds Victorius (4/11), Allegorie De Vassy (5/4) and Champ Kiely (10/11) to victory.

Allegorie De Vassy made light work of the YellowFord & Drumlin John & Chich Fowler Memorial Irish EBF Mares Chase, the feature race on the card.

The eight-year-old was contesting the Grade Three as the 5-4 favourite under Townend, a race she finished second in last season when well beaten by Gordon Elliott’s reopposing Riviere d’Etel.

Again a field of five assembled for the race and Allegorie De Vassy made all of the running, making smooth progress throughout and strolling to a straightforward triumph with her nearest rival 25 lengths behind in the shape of Gavin Cromwell’s Limerick Lace.

“It was nice performance from her. She enjoyed being in front today and Paul said she just enjoyed her jumping and galloping,” said Mullins.

“Even with the 24mm of rain they had here the ground needed it all. It’s still not real winter heavy or anything like that and she enjoyed that nice bit of ground.

“She put in some super jumps and I’m very happy with her.

“We’ll possibly look at the Opera Hat next at Naas, it’s down in trip which wouldn’t be ideal but it’s a mares’ race.”

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