'That was some thrill' - Danoli days evoked as Foley family celebrate with Gold

Saturday: Fairyhouse

The Foley family will be forever associated with Danoli and the late Tom's final winner was Rebel Gold at Gowran Park in 2021.

Fast-forward almost two years and the same horse gave son Pat the biggest day since the training baton was handed over when landing the Dan & Joan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase in emphatic fashion under Denis O'Regan. It was one for the good guys.

The €80,000 race looked as competitive as ever on paper but it was blown apart by a ten-year-old who relished the testing conditions and powered up the home straight to beat course specialist Dunvegan by nine lengths. It was the first time Pat Fahy's grey had been beaten at the track on his fifth visit.

Foley said: "That was some thrill. Myself and my father always thought this lad had a big race in him. He was the last winner my father had in Gowran, so it is extra special to win a big one with him.

"We were so unlucky that he hadn't won a big one by now; he has been placed so many times. He's so consistent and the handicapper hasn't always been easy on him. Whatever happens after today, it doesn't matter, it's a bonus."

Another crack at the Leopardstown Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival is likely to be what happens next and Foley will deploy different tactics having finished sixth in the race last year.

He said: "We went for the Leopardstown Chase last year and really thought he'd get the trip but, as it turned out, he didn't really. We might go back for it, though. We might ride him differently and try to creep into it."

Flame survives scare to help Mullins complete treble

Willie Mullins had a treble, albeit an expected one given all three winners were odds-on, but Flame Bearer would have given him a mighty fright at the final fence of the beginners' chase.

The 2-5 shot was in a different parish from his rivals coming to the last, but met it all wrong and almost got rid of Paul Townend.

The five-time champion somehow managed to keep the partnership intact and he coasted home for a 38-length win. He is now 16-1 (from 33) for the Arkle with Betfair and Paddy Power.

"I was just praying he was underneath me when I came down!" said the visibly relieved rider afterwards, before adding: "It was a no-contest from early but at least he showed us today what he's been showing us at home.”

Westport Cove: Patrick Mullins completed his father's treble on the newcomerCredit: Patrick McCann

Mullins is now responsible for the top two in the Triumph Hurdle market as Blood Destiny was cut to 5-1 (from 12) for the race after his all-the-way win in the opening juvenile hurdle. Only stablemate Lossiemouth is shorter in the market.

Townend said: "Both he and Lossiemouth are very good. It's hard to compare juveniles as he has improved an awful from Cork. Lossiemouth is certainly doing things right as well. It's nice to have the two of them."

Patrick Mullins completed his father's treble on the newcomer Westport Cove in the bumper and he thinks there is more to come as well.

The champion amateur said: "He won despite fighting me for the first half-mile. Usually, a horse that does that doesn't finish the race, but the fact that he did finish is a testament to his ability.

"I think he's significantly better than the bare form and, when he learns to race, could be a very good horse."

Results, replays and analysis

Read Saturday's reports:

Classic Chase: 383 days off . . . no problem! Iwilldoit back at hisbest with return

Warwick: 'Some were under par' - Skelton fires in double to quash doubts over yard form

Lanzarote Hurdle: 'This is up there with the big ones' - Andrews revels in Kempton nail-biter

Kempton: Pic D'Orhy sets up Shishkin clash with emphatic Silviniaco Conti win

Wetherby: Brian Hughes makes course history as Richmond Lake sails home

Lingfield: 'I've thought about going abroad' - Annaf excites with easy weight-carrying win

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