Mullins doubles up with Orion

Willie Mullins completed a quick double at Listowel this afternoon when Orion d'Aubrelle claimed the Kevin McManus Beginners Chase.

The five-year-old was held up in mid-division in the two-mile six-furlong contest and was slightly untidy when trying to make ground up three from home.

Paul Townend was rowing along on the 8/1 shot turning for home but he picked up strongly to jump into the lead two from home. Its All Guesswork tried to chase him down on the run-in but the Mullins horse had enough up his sleeve to record a length-and-a-quarter success.

Mullins said:- “Paul found himself in a pocket the whole race as he thought they were going to go much faster but they didn’t go a good gallop. When he switched out the horse seemed to find another gear.

“He’s improved and hopefully can go on from here and win a few more chases. He’s got a lovely pedigree.

“Last year he wouldn’t do anything for us on soft ground, and we have done a few things differently with him this season which seems to be paying off. He probably wants a longer trip.

“John Coleman was a good patron of ours who died recently and that’s the first winner we have trained for his wife Joanne who has taken over the colours. Hopefully it’s the start of a good season as they have a few nice young horses with us.”

Mullins had also struck on the Flat in the preceding race with easy 1/6 winner Exchange Rate

(Quotes by Alan Magee)