Redhotfillypeppers and David Dunsdon© Photo Healy Racing
Who better to have on your side than Willie Mullins to see out the year on a high. The record breaking champion trainer sent out the final winner of 2017 when 200,000 pound mare Redhotfillypeppers landed the Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. Mares (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race at Punchestown.
She looked the part when winning her point-to-point for Donnchadh Doyle, but this win for the 4/6 shot wasn't achieved without some cause for concern.
Ridden by her owner, David Dunsdon, of Coldunnell Limited, Redhotfillypeppers made all but she took a keen hold and ran wide off the bend after about five furlongs.
Dunsdon asked for more entering the straight, and whilst she edged left in the final furlong, the Robin Des Champs mare stayed on well to see off Ladysingstheblues (by the same sire) by two and three parts of a length.
"She's a fine strong mare and has a stamina laden pedigree. She gallops all day and jumps well. I'd say she will go for a winners' bumper and won't go hurdling until next season," said Mullins.
"She was quite green today but as she gets experience racing she'll be fine. She's a chaser in the making.
"David was a Fegentri champion and that's his first winner in Ireland. He doesn't do too much racing these days."
Mullins was doubling his score on the day following the first race success of Childrens List under Ruby Walsh.
(AM & EM)
