The crowds turned out in force for Day 2 of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival, Paddy Power Day and for the 17,045 in attendance, they were treated to a rare showing by local champion trainer Willie Mullins.
Mullins picked up six of the seven races on today’s card including both Grade 1 contests. Blue Lord claimed the first of the two Grade 1’s for the Carlow-based trainer, the Paddy’s Reward Club Chase with jockey Daryl Jacob on board for owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede. The Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle went to the Willie Mullins-trained Facile Vega, the mount of Paul Townend for owners the Hammer and Trowel Syndicate.
Eric McNamara’s Real Steel put a stop to Mullins’ winning streak with success in the €200,000 Grade B Paddy Power Chase at 33/1 with son Conor McNamara on board for owner Tadhg Moynihan.
The six wins today mark a record-equalling performance for the Mullins yard and while there is still plenty of racing to come at Leopardstown, we get the feeling that tonight will see some level of celebrating.
Racing continues at Leopardstown on Wednesday with the first going to post at 12pm.