Mullins steals rivals Thunder with fine front-running ride

Danny Mullins has few equals when it comes to judging the pace from the front and the Cheltenham winning jockey was at it again when outwitting his rivals aboard Thunder in the Copper Coast Maiden Hurdle at Tramore.

Mullins sent the John Ryan trained gelding into an early lead, soon building up an advantage in excess of 20 lengths on his opposition.

Despite this being only his fourth career start and second over hurdles, the five-year-old jumped well and maintained a strong gallop throughout.

For a brief period approaching the second last, it appeared as though the exertions were beginning to take their toll but once levelling out, the gelding plugged on admirably.

John Ryan: "Danny gave him a wonderful ride.

"He is a full-brother to Presenting Mahler who won a lot of races. His sister is going to the Derby Sale, she is the first lot and Tom (Meagher) is selling her. Tom is a cousin of mine.

"He is big galloping horse and Tramore is a small place, so I was happy to let Danny stride away on him. He is a nice horse to go novice hurdling with for the summer, he loves good ground."

Mullins added: "It was a bold decision to go off in front, but John was happy enough for me to gallop along. It was a case of just trying to find a rhythm. Thankfully he galloped and put the head down when it mattered."

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy