'He's magic' - Danny Mullins the star again as Stormy Ireland strikes

Saturday: Cheltenham

Danny Mullins is quite happy to be taking the rides that Paul Townend cannot. It worked out a treat as he stole the show to bring the King George back to his uncle Willie Mullins and on New Year’s Day the Dornan Engineering Relkeel ended with a similar outcome thanks to a gutsy performance from Stormy Ireland.

Mullins was hailed for his patience to deliver Tornado Flyer late in his 28-1 shock but here Stormy Ireland required an aggressive front-running ride. She dominated as the field struggled to find when the question was asked of them, and it was only Brewin’upastorm who was able to take her on.

But as his chance came to life it quickly disappeared. Brewin’upastorm got on level terms as they approached the last but he got it wrong and crashed to the floor. Horse and jockey were unscathed but Aidan Coleman could only watch on, leaning on the rails with frustration etched across his face, as Stormy Ireland kept on to win from McFabulous.

While frustration was felt in one camp, there was elation in another. David Greenway, racing manager to owners FB Racing Club, lost brother and former jockey Tom in November. He was remembered fondly during this special moment.

Greenway said: “I was a bit teary coming in as I'm sure Tom helped her come over the line. These days are special, they don’t come around very often for anyone so we’re going to enjoy them. The man on board, he's the one who should take the plaudits, him and her get on so well. He’s magic on her.”

Magic they are. Stormy Ireland has won nine times from 28 starts and five of those successes have been when Mullins was in the plate. Riding a dual Gold Cup winner was the reason Paul Townend was at Tramore, so Mullins was free to record a third win in Britain this season. He has had only six rides.

He said: “I'm thankful Paul [Townend] was heading to Tramore to partner Al Boum Photo as it opened the door for me to come here. I'm delighted to be riding her. It's been a great Christmas period, these days are what it's all about.

“I enjoy riding winners week in, week out but it's great to have the pressure put on your shoulders for these big races and to be able to deliver. It's been good for me, I've just been the one to perform on the day but I'm a small cog in the wheel.”

"Certainly" was Greenway's response when asked if the Close Brothers' Mares Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival would be next. She was cut to 7-1 (from 8) with Paddy Power for that target.

Brewin’upastorm, meanwhile, continued his torrid luck at Cheltenham. He fell when a likely winner as a novice hurdler, unseated when fancied in the Arkle and his trainer Olly Murphy believed he would have won here.

Murphy said: "He was about to go and win his race. Nobody is going to argue that but he ended up on the ground at the last. That's jump racing and you've got to jump to win. Well done to the winner. My horse is okay and so is Aidan, which is the most important thing.”

Read more Saturday reports . . .

Al Boum Photo stars again with four on the spin at Tramore

Venetia Williams: I loved the way L'Homme Presse quickened to the line

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