One gamble landed as Mullins bags two

THERE were no shortage of talking points at Down Royal as, for the first time since March 2020, paying customers were welcomed back to an Irish racecourse.

The most fascinating subplot developed midmorning as Emmet Mullins’ Shake Him Up and Blackstair Rocco were the subject of huge market moves.

The money may have gone astray in the opening maiden hurdle, but Blackstair Rocco proved himself well ahead of his mark of 95 in the first division of the 2m4½f handicap hurdle – and Mullins doubled up when The Gossiper won the bumper.

Both winners were ridden by up-and-coming rider Mike O’Connor, the youngster quickly endearing himself to the 500 or so people who were lucky enough to get tickets to the meeting.

Blackstair Rocco was returned the 10-11 favourite having been as big as 8-1 in the morning.

Fahey bags feature

Peter Fahey loves nothing more than a winner at the Galway festival and the trainer has Ballybrit in his sights for Visionarian, who landed the feature handicap hurdle under Tommy Brett.

Visionarian appeared to have handed the initiative to Fairyhill Run when producing a slow jump at the final flight, but he did well to battle back to edge that rival by a nose on the line.

Fahey said: “I am delighted for Bazil and Bernie Holian who bought this lad and a couple others.

“It’s great to get a bit of luck for them. He is a strong traveller. Stepping him up in trip was a big help. We’ll put him away now for Galway.

“The staying handicap hurdle towards the end of the week could suit him well. He’s a nice horse going forward and I can’t wait to get him over fences.”