Punchestown Festival: Patrick Mullins Eyes Winner on Thursday
The Punchestown Festival is set to continue on Thursday, with jockey Patrick Mullins hoping to claim a winner on the second day of the five-day event. Mullins, who rode to a Grade 1 second aboard Salvator Mundi on the opening afternoon, has nominated a horse in the winners-of-one bumper who he believes could be his best chance of securing a victory.
According to an interview with Sporting Life, Mullins expressed his optimism about his chances on Thursday, stating, "Another big day on Thursday… We’ve nothing in the La Touche Cup which is probably the highlight of the week here so that’s unfortunate but Majborough tries to atone for his Arkle faux pas."
Mullins’ horse, Majborough, will be competing in the Barberstown Castle Novice Chase, where he will face stiff competition, including Only By Night. Mullins reflected on Majborough’s performance last time out, saying, "I don’t know why he jumped well all the way and then just lost his confidence at the second-last but hopefully he’ll get back to his best. He’s schooled well at home but of course you don’t know until you come under pressure."
In addition to Majborough, Mullins will also be riding Asterion Forlonge and Winter Fog in the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle. He expressed his admiration for the veteran horses, stating, "In the Stayers Hurdle we run Asterion Forlonge and Winter Fog, two admirable veterans. Winter Fog goes up in trip again here which I think could suit him and I hope he could get into a place."
However, Mullins’ attention is focused on Ksar Fatal, who will be competing in the winners-of-one bumper. He said, "One I’m really looking forward to – probably my best chance of a winner all week – is Ksar Fatal in the winners-of-one bumper. It was obviously very heavy ground when he won at Gowran Park and it will be a different test for him here but I think he can handle it and reckon he’s a very good horse."
As the Punchestown Festival continues, Mullins’ prospects of securing a winner on Thursday will be closely watched by racing enthusiasts. With a talented horse like Ksar Fatal in his stable, he may well have a strong chance of success.
In related news, Sporting Life would like to remind readers of the importance of safer gambling practices. If you or someone you know is concerned about their gambling habits, support and resources are available through organisations such as GamCare and BeGambleAware.
The Punchestown Festival will continue on Thursday, with a range of exciting racing events scheduled to take place. As the competition heats up, fans will be eagerly anticipating the outcome of the various races, including the Barberstown Castle Novice Chase and the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle. With Patrick Mullins and his team in the running, it promises to be an exciting day of racing.
For further information on safer gambling and support services, please visit begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org. The National Gambling Helpline / GamCare can be reached on 0808 8020 133.
