Champion trainer Willie Mullins set another landmark today when becoming the fastest to 100 winners in an Irish season as Soll strolled to victory in the beginners chase at Down Royal.
The 2/5 favourite, with Ruby Walsh up, led from the front and scored by four-and-a-half-lengths for his Cumbrian owner Derrick Mossop who was in attendance.
“He’s a big baby but hopefully he has a big future,” Mr Mossop said.
Willie Mullins gave an indication of Soll’s talent when he said: “He’ll probably go for the four mile chase at Cheltenham.
“You saw how green he was passing the post. I doubt he’ll run between now and Cheltenham. I would like to get another run into him but it may be too close.”
When asked about his record-breaking feat in reaching a century in the quickest time and also in training 80 winners since the start of November alone, Mullins said: “I’m delighted to make 100. We have such a quality of horse at the minute. We’ll keep our fingers crossed that we keep them healthy.” Harpsy Cord (11/2) came home second with Awkward Moment (33/1) taking third place prize money in this 10-runner race.
The champion trainer has now trained at least 100 winners every season since 2007/8.
Soll is 9/1 from 12/1 for the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham with Stan James. The same bookmaker has cut him from 40/1 to 33/1 for the RSA Chase and from 25/1 to 20/1 for the Jewson Novices' Chase.
Michael Graham
