Mikael D’Haguenet’s success part of the treble for trainer, Willie Mullins at Punchestown
Trainer, Willie Mullins had one of the most eventful weekends at Punchestown where not only his struggling under charge finally bagged a hurdle, but the handler also celebrated the success of his two more rides on the same card. His eight-year-old bay gelding,
Mikael D’Haguenet, failed at eight different attempts, but on 9th December, the trainer’s stars were truly shining the brightest.
The struggling French bay gelding finally landed the Blue Square Bet Beginners Chase on 9th December, 2012 at Punchestown race course over two miles and four furlongs.
The favourite entry was navigated on the fourteen fence field by jockey, Paul Townend, in a way that the duo defeated Lord Windermere by 2 ¾ lengths.
Before this when he won was in the Grade 3 Limestone Lad Hurdle on 21st January, 2012 at Naas race course over two miles and three furlongs. He had Rick defeated to the second position by seven lengths while riding with the same jockey.
About the most recent success the proud trainer commented:
"He did things nicely and is getting his act together. He'll probably go for a winners-of-one next as we are trying to build up his confidence and get him jumping well. We might just keep him low-key, maybe we'll go to Limerick for the Grade Two down there."
The other two successes came from Pride Ofthe Parish and Sizing Tennessee, both were sent in as favourites by the same trainer. The duo representing trainer, Willie Mullins, were impressive in their own races with the first one clearing the maiden hurdle
effortlessly.
Sizing Tennessee on the other hand made sure that he was a handful for the opponent, Redundant Man, who eventually had to give in.
Mullins snr said of Pride Ofthe Parish: "He did it nicely. We'll keep him going in staying novice hurdles, although he is going to be a chaser down the road. He's particularly at home on this heavy ground."
The trainer’s son, Patrick, is chasing a record of its own as he is four races less to smash the record set in by an amateur to win races in a calendar year.
The stable is highly likely to leave a lasting impact on this season and for that their participation in the upcoming challenges will be witnessed.
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