Perth one-two for title-chasing Willie Mullins
Wednesday 17 June 2020 14:32, UK
Willie Mullins clawed back a fraction of the deficit in the battle for the trainers' championship by saddling the first two home in the British Stallions Future Champions EBF "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle at Perth.
Though Paul Nicholls also secured a winner on the day, when All Set To Go obliged at Taunton, Mullins was marginally on top for the day after he added £14,587 to the kitty.
The Irish-based trainer held a commanding lead over Paul Nicholls prior to last weekend, but it has been one-way traffic since.
But Mullins was back in the game in Scotland and enjoyed a perfect result, with Up For Review leading home stable companion Nambour.
Up For Review was the 5/1 outsider of four runners, having disappointed on his last few starts, but bounced back to form under a well-judged front-running ride from Paul Townend.
Mullins now trails Nicholls by over £43,200 after All Set To Go (4/5 favourite) hit the target in the Bathwick Tyres Yeovil Novices' Hurdle, earning £4,873 in the process.
The Ditcheat handler suffered a surprising reverse 35 minutes earlier, though, as 4/11 favourite Antartica De Thaix could only pocket £1,431 by finishing second to Rejaah in the Bathwick Tyres Bath Mares' Novices' Hurdle.
Following Up For Review's victory, Mullins said: "It may not have been in the order many expected but I'm delighted. It's our first visit here and I've been very well looked after.
"I walked the track and it is in beautiful condition considering the winter everyone has had."
Regarding the title race, he added: "I've still to finalise what we run at Sandown on Saturday but I'd say I need a four-timer to get back in front - we'll certainly be giving it our best shot."
