Michael Graham
Impressive Great Jones gives Mullins double
Great Jones, blue and white stars, tanking along at Tramore
© Photo Healy Racing
Despite sweating up beforehand, Great Jones ran out the easy winner of the bumper at Tramore for Willie and Patrick Mullins.
The unraced five-year-old was cruising along and Mullins jnr didn’t have to move a muscle as he glided to the front approaching the home turn. From there a couple of shakes of the reins were all that was required for him to scoot clear and win by 12 lengths.
The winner was expected to do his job as he attracted support from an opening show of 13/8 down to even money favouritism.
He gave champion trainer Willie Mullins a double on the evening after the success of Rattan Lord Lir (33/1) came home second for David O’Brien and Optic Measure was third for Liam Kenny at 14/1.
Patrick Mullins commented: “He showed lots of gears at home, but on his pedigree we weren’t sure that he would stay [by Johannesburg].
“He obviously stays and should be a real fun horse. On pedigree we thought he would like good ground.
“I’d say he’s a fair horse. He could possibly go for a winners’ bumper. He has a bit of size about him and he'll probably jump a fence in time”
(on course reporting by Alan Magee)