Paul silky smooth in bumper

Paul Kristian has made headlines more than once before and he was again making waves after justifying heavy-support to make a winning debut for Willie Mullins. Coming off a 635 day break, the Overbury gelding landed the Course Signage INH Flat Race under a very confident Patrick Mullins at Fairyhouse.

When this fellow won his point-to-point for trainer Liam Burke, he was considered as impressive on the day as his stable companion, Bensalem, at the end of the year in 2007. Of course the latter has gone on to be a good horse cross-channel with Alan King.

Paul Kristian then earned his rider, Kevin Coleman, a 50 day ban under Rule 212 (governing non-triers) at Limerick on March 15th 2008. The explanation of trainer Liam Burke was noted that day. Suffice as to say that this didn’t look good. However on appeal Coleman's ban was reduced to 28 days but he also then picked up a 3,000 Euro fine.

Here the 8/15 shot (from 5/4 in the morning) always looked like picking up Cootamundra which he did inside the final furlong, going on to pass the post three lengths in front.

Mullins said: "He'll go for a winners bumper next. It looks like he'll improve. The owner (Derrick Mossop) is British-based. He is not here today and it's his first horse with me. He must have had his training problems."