A great shot of Robbinia and Brian Hayes clearing the last© Photo Healy Racing
There was a quick seaside Saturday afternoon double for Brian Hayes in the Tramore GAA Mares Beginners Chase courtesy of the Closutton Racing Club-owned and Willie Mullins-trained Robinnia
Thankfully odds-on favourite Lady Breffni and Danny Mullins were up okay after a second last fence fall here. It was looking as though it could have gone either way between the duelling stable companions at the time.
Fencing debutant Robbinia then really only had the final obstacle to worry about as she stayed on well to beat She Tops The Lot by ten lengths.
Hayes won the preceding handicap hurdle for Dermot O’Brien on Molly Wedger
"Brian was very brave on her going to the last. He asked her a serious question and I was wondering was it a champion chase on the line or what. He had huge confidence in her. He had a couple of other well-fancied rides in the race but he elected to ride her and he was handsomely rewarded,” said Mullins.
"She seems a natural over fences. I was wondering would her rating over hurdles be good enough to win it. She handled that ground nicely and will keep going for the summer. I think we will try to make hay when the sun shines.
"I haven't talked to Danny yet but she (Lady Breffni) just got a bit close to it and I was surprised given her point-to-point experience. They are two nice mares and both could step up in trip. Robinnia's natural ability to jump will keep her at the minimum trip for the moment."
(DM & EM)
