News Patricks Park in a different gear as Mullins lands four-timer

Patricks Park in a different gear as Mullins lands four-timer

racing

Patricks Park was delivered with a perfectly-timed run by Rachael Blackmore to win Leopardstown's Coral Sandyford Handicap Chase.

Formerly trained in Britain by Matt Shepherd, Patricks Park had his first start for Willie Mullins on New Year's Day and stepped up considerably on that sixth place over hurdles to lift this two-mile-one-furlong contest.

Three Stars appeared to have stolen a winning advantage coming to the final obstacle but a slight mistake allowed Patricks Park (6-1) to get on terms and he kicked away on the run-in.

Tully East kept on for third, with Blast Of Koeman fourth.

Blackmore said: "Patricks Park was fantastic. It was great to get an opportunity to get to ride for Willie and I was delighted I could get the job done today.

"We went a hell of a gallop so he was a little on his head at the start, but his jumping kept him in it and he was fantastic in that sense."

Mullins said: "I'm delighted for Rachael and it's a fantastic prize to win. She got a really good tune out of the horse down the back. You could see from the stands, he was jumping out of her hands and she was just trying to keep out of trouble.

"She is a fantastic rider and is one of the hardest workers in the country. She rides out for me two or three days a week and then lots of other places, and is always on the go and gets results."

He added: "He disappointed over hurdles the last day, but we came back a mile today. He might run at Cheltenham if he gets into one of the handicap chases."

Mullins also struck on the card with Min and Footpad, and Blackbow (11-4 favourite) completed a 89-1 four-timer for the champion trainer w hen maintaining his unbeaten record in the Goffs Future Stars (C&G) I.N.H. Flat Race.

Patrick Mullins made a decisive move as he kicked for home from the turn on the five-year-old, after first The Shunter and then Minella Encore had made the running.

Blackbow soon had a handy lead and enabled Blackbow to hold the late challenge of Rhinestone.