PartialLogo
Reports13 May 2023

'It was brilliant that it all worked out' - Mullins pulls off Stateside raid with Scaramanga

Scaramanga: winner of the
Scaramanga: a winner in Nashville on SaturdayCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Willie Mullins demonstrated how far his grip on the sport reaches when he saddled Scaramanga to win the $200,000 Calvin Houghland Iroquois Hurdle in Nashville on Saturday.

Racing in the distinctive silks of Malcolm Denmark, the eight-year-old was ridden by Mullins' main jockey Paul Townend and came home three and three-quarter lengths clear of Snap Decision, while Scorpion's Revenge was third.

Mullins, a winner of Japan's prestigious Nakayama Grand Jump with Blackstairmountain, has previous with the three-mile event, which takes place at Percy Warner Park, and had the second and third in 2016 courtesy of Shaneshill and Nichols Canyon.

Willie Mullins at Closutton for a Cheltenham Festival media day
Willie Mullins: more success for the master trainerCredit: Patrick McCann

Since then, he has mopped up at the Cheltenham Festival and recently recorded a 17th Irish training title.

Scaramanga's success sits alongside the Stateside strike of Pravalaguna, who won a Far Hills conditions hurdle for the County Carlow yard in 2019.

"It was a great experience to come to Nashville, it’s such a friendly place," Denmark told local media. "The ground here is firmer than in the UK and we know it's a great place to run Scaramanga."

Townend was also chuffed, adding: "I'm very fortunate to ride for Willie. It was a brave decision to pick out this race, and Malcolm sent the horse. It was brilliant that it all worked out."


Read these next:

'The race is absolutely perfect for him, he's going to take some stopping in it - let me tell you why' 

Controversial Rachael Blackmore Kilbeggan ride to be investigated by IHRB 

Tom Segal tipped 1,000 Guineas winner Mawj at 20-1 - subscribe now with 50% off and don't miss out on a massive month for Pricewise 


Do you want £200+ of free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.