Hauturiere and Danny Mullins (nearest) is about to pass Shecouldbeanything on the run-in© Photo Healy Racing
Danny Mullins left shallower water to land a big fish today, earning high praise from uncle Willie Mullins following his enterprising ride on the trainer's winner Hauturiere in Punchestown's Listed Apple's Jade Novice Hurdle.
Front-runner Kilbree Warrior led the eight runners with jockey Mullins anchoring Hauturiere (5/1) well off the frantic pace in last.
Two to one favourite Harmonya Maker unseated rider at the second and while leader Shecouldbeanything looked likely to win in the straight, Hauturiere powered home to lead on the run-in.
Trainer Mullins, whose first-string Eabha Grace finished seventh, said “it was another fine tactical ride by Danny, I thought. They went off very fast and anything that was up there early on couldn't stay the pace. It took a lot of getting and she's shown us that she's a stayer.
“She was very keen early on in her career but now she's learning how to settle and how to race. She might get an entry in a handicap at Cheltenham or maybe wait for Fairyhouse. We'll see what rating she gets and you could look at the Martin Pipe or Coral Cup.”
Well-named Hauturiere's parents are No Risk At All and Ocean Beach, with 'pêche hauturière' translating to 'deep sea fishery' in French.
Quotes from Gary Carson
