Salvator Mundi revels in class of his own at Tipperary
Salvator Mundi and Paul Townend make all of the running to win the Tipperary Town Maiden Hurdle by 62 Lengths at Tipperary. Picture: Healy Racing
The Willie Mullins-trained hot-pot Salvator Mundi had little more than a public schooling session when opening his hurdling account in the Tipperary Town Maiden Hurdle in Tipperary.
The four-year-old, who bumped into classy Sir Gino on his only start in France before making his stable debut for Mullins in the ‘Triumph’ at Cheltenham, was sent off at 1/12 and, clear from flagfall, did a solo under Paul Townend.
In the colours of Joe and Marie Donnelly, Salvator Mundi, in a first-time hood, went a strong pace, jumped fluently and the outcome was never in doubt.
The No Risk St All gelding had jumped the final flight before his nearest rival negotiated the second last. And he cruised home a massive 62 lengths clear of Mrs TK.
“That was every bit as easy it looked,” commented Townend. “He had plenty done when he came from France and loves jumping. He was doing nice work before Cheltenham, but that was a big ask. His form with Sir Gino showed that he has a good level of ability.” The winner is likely to head to Galway while the ‘Royal Bond’ looks a likely later target.
Salvator Mundi initiated a double for Willie Mullins, completed uneasy 7/4 favourite Ballygunner Castle followed-up last month’s Limerick success by making all and responding to Patrick’s driving to hold Aruntothequeen by a half-length in the Racing Again May 28th (Pro-Am) Flat Race.
Champion ‘conditional’ Danny Gilligan, deputising for the injured Jordan Gainford, seized his opportunity when partnering Solly Attwell to a gutsy victory for Cian Collins in the three-mile handicap hurdle.
Meanwhile, Joseph O’Brien took the honours with a treble of favourites on the flat card in Sligo, sparked by 16/5 favourite Carlo Bianconi, who overcame plenty of trouble in running before pouncing late to beat Pinball Wizard in the Web The Tool Company Handicap, giving in-form apprentice Wayne Hassett, who admitted: “He had a lovely turn of foot, which saved me,” his ninth success of the season.
Runner-up to Sir Gino in a Grade 1 hurdle in Aintree last time, Intellotto reverted to the flat successfully when making all and justifying 4/9 favouritism in the Hazel Wood Maiden.
And Dylan Browne McMonagle, who rode Intellotto, delivered again on Alonzo (11/8) in the concluding countysligoraces.com maiden, kicking clear turning for home before staying on to beat Man Of Worth convincingly, completing an impressive treble haul for Carriganóg.
