The Mullins family is bracing for an emotionally charged Red Mills Race Day at Gowran Park, where champion trainer Willie Mullins aims to leave his mark by fielding Saint Sam in the Grade 2 Red Mills Chase.
This race holds immense importance as Mullins eyes an eighth triumph in this prestigious event on Saturday. The passing of Maureen Mullins, the revered matriarch of the legendary Mullins clan, looms large in everyone's thoughts as she graced the winner's enclosure alongside her late husband Paddy, as well as her children and grandchildren.
A month ago, at the age of 94, Maureen, a former director and long-standing shareholder at Gowran Park, officiated at the racecourse's newly unveiled weight room. Touted as the highest-rated contender in a field of five, Saint Sam, owned by Edward Ware, boasts a mark of 159 in the two-and-a-half-mile Red Mills Chase. Although he hasn't been seen since his fall at the last hurdle while leading at Listowel in September, this seven-year-old made a dazzling start to his chasing career, triumphing in all three outings at Tramore, Killarney, and Galway prior to the Listowel blip. Jockey Paul Townend, a three-time victor in this illustrious contest, will partner with Saint Sam in the pursuit of glory.
The €22,125 victor's pot will see Saint Sam contend with four rivals, including the notable contender Riviere D'etel, who finished as the runner-up in the Listed Opera Hat Chase over two miles at Naas just a week ago. Gordon Elliott fields two representatives in this race, with Jack Kennedy maintaining the partnership with Riviere D'etel, and Sam Ewing riding Gigginstown's Foxrock Handicap Chase winner, Embittered. Reflecting on Riviere D'etel's prospects, Elliott noted her preference for right-handed tracks and suggested that this distance suits her better than the previous weekend's race.
He expressed satisfaction with her recovery from the previous race and anticipates a strong performance. As for Embittered, Elliott acknowledged his struggles in high-class handicaps but highlighted his impressive victory in Navan before Christmas, underlining the suitability of the distance and the horse's overall condition.
The field is completed by Lucid Dreams, a progressive Group 3-placed mare trained by John Ryan and ridden by Danny Mullins, while Ivar The Boneless, trained by Keith Watson and partnered with jockey Donagh Meyler, completes the lineup.
Alongside the Red Mills Chase, the Red Mills Trial Hurdle promises an enthralling contest. Renowned winners of this race include Danoli, Hardy Eustace, Macs Joy, Solwhit, and Un De Sceaux, with Teahupoo and Fil D'or emerging victorious in recent editions. Gordon Elliott eyes a third consecutive triumph in this Grade 3 contest with What's Up Darling. Lantry Lady, an intriguing runner from Henry De Bromhead's stable, displayed her potential by sauntering to a 14-length victory on her debut at this course 11 months ago over the minimum trip.
With lineage tracing back to Champion Hurdle heroine Annie Power, this six-year-old steps up in distance, and Rachael Blackmore takes the reins. Dreamings Free, Doyen To Win, and Brilliant Question round out the remaining contenders in this eagerly anticipated race. Tom Mullins also features on the day's card, with Jack Foley partnering with Tucson Train in the Full Circle Series Qualifier Handicap Hurdle, while champion QR Patrick Mullins rides Flashaway, the daughter of the illustrious race mare Voler La Vedette, in the concluding Ronan Lawlor Memorial Irish EBF Mares' Flat Race.
Gordon Elliott paid tribute to the late Mrs Mullins, recognising the impact she had on the racing community as an extraordinary woman and an iconic figure. Gareth Connolly, CEO of Connolly's Red Mills, acknowledged the significance of Red Mills Day in the local community and highlighted the long-standing tradition of race sponsorship and the valued relationship with Gowran Park Racecourse.
This year's event carries an added emotional weight as they remember Maureen Mullins, a former director and current shareholder at Gowran Park, who passed away recently. Connolly's Red Mills and the Gowran Park team extend their heartfelt sympathies to Mrs. Mullins' family and friends, ensuring her legacy will endure for generations to come.