Michael O'Sullivan rides first winner for Mullins

Cheltenham festival winner Michael O'Sullivan registered a first winner for Willie Mullins today, steering French import Mister Policeman to a taking success in Cork's Bar One Racing Sign Up Offer Hurdle.

Well-touted Mister Policeman had 'cheaply' surrendered his novice status in winning a Fontainebleau hurdle for David Cottin as a four-year-old in March 2022 and was thus an uncommon Ricci/Mullins recruit to Ireland, and today faced seasoned opponents.

Held up behind the leaders, the son of Triple Threat travelled strongly to lead at the second-last and scored comfortably from 11 year old, 142-rated Cash Back

O'Sullivan, having his ninth ride for Mullins, reported “I'm obviously very grateful for Mr Mullins and the Riccis for putting me on him and he is a lovely horse who has a big future. It was very straightforward and he'll come on a lot for it.

“He will get a trip and is very relaxed and I had to wake him up once or twice. He is very clever to jump and is a nice prospect.”

He added “I'm riding out in Willie's for over a year, he has been good to me and I had a nice few rides for him at Cheltenham and I'm delighted to get this.

“I ride out for Gordon (Elliott) also and obviously Barry (Connell) so am getting plenty opportunities.”