Djakadam and Ruby Walsh© Photo Healy Racing
Champion Trainer Willie Mullins claimed a record sixth win in the Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran today when providing his stable jockey Ruby Walsh with his first success in the Grade A race, as Djakadam readily defied top weight.
The French bred son of Saint Des Saints raced prominently throughout and was sent clear by Walsh from the third last fence. He had The Job Is Right comfortably held when that nearest rival exited at the final fence and at the line, Djakadam was eased for an eight lengths win over My Murphy
Mullins, who was breaking the record of five wins in the race held by Arkle's trainer Tom Dreaper, later stated "it's fantastic to win the race six times; it took me long enough to win my first one (Micko's Dream in 2000).
"On His Own won this off top-weight and was only just beaten in a Gold Cup so we'll have to think of going the same way with this horse.
"We always thought he could be a Gold Cup horse but it was probably an unfair question to ask him in the Hennessy on his first run of the season but we felt he was nicely handicapped.
"That race will take a fair bit out of him so he wouldn't run between now and Cheltenham. The way he travelled and jumped was great, and I don't think Ruby had a moments worry."
Djakadam was later cut to 20/1 (from 33/1) for the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Paddy Power and Boylesports.
By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee
