Misty gets Cullen off the mark

John Cullen recorded his first success as a full-time trainer when landing yesterday’s feature race, the €36,000-to-the-winner Ladbrokes Island Handicap Hurdle with the game Misty Lady.

Sean Flanagan tried to make all in the two-mile event but the challengers queued up on the turn for home, and her chance looked to have gone when Lilly The Lioness forged ahead between the last two. However, the well-backed Misty Lady (16-1 to 10-1) battled back under a strong drive to prevail by the narrowest of margins.

“It’s my first winner since I took the job training for Joey Logan,” said a delighted Cullen. “I have just a couple for the track and about 20 for point to points.