Willie makes winning return to Ballinrobe

Willie Mullins was at a loss to recall his previous visit to Ballinrobe races today, as the Champion Trainer won the opening Cawe Ceilings Murphy's Bar Maiden Hurdle with Masons Daughter under his son Patrick Mullins.

Carrying the colours of the Blue Blood Racing Club, the dual bumper winner made virtually all the running to score an effortless and impressive 18 lengths win over Hyperdrive

Mullins' memories of the venue are understandably hazy, as he later explained "I'm not sure when I was here last.

“I do know that the last time I rode here I got a bad fall - I was going for the championship at the time and I don't think I rode here again after that.”

Regarding Masons Daughter, he added “that mare did it well, particularly after what I thought was a horrible mistake at the third last going at the speed she was going.

"It just seemed to stop her in her tracks but once Patrick gave her a little breather she took off again.

"She looks a mare with plenty of promise - one that might be better than a normal summer mare and we'll plot the mares novice hurdle route for her.

"That's quite lively ground - she went on that and we know she can go on soft ground too."

Quotes from Eamonn Murphy