Coolmore Kew Gardens Irish EBF Mares Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)

STORMY Ireland’s successful return to Willie Mullins took on an altogether greater level of significance as she produced a pillar-to-post tour de force to dominate a quality field and secure a first success at the top level.

On countless occasions Danny Mullins has shown that he excels from the front and this was yet another example as he and this very talented and enthusiastic mare got the fractions spot on.

After a spell with Paul Nicholls earlier in the season failed to show this mare off to best effect, Stormy Ireland was purchased for £75,000 at the sales in January and that purchase by the FB Racing Club has proved to be inspired.

Better again

The daughter of Motivator made a victorious return to Ireland in a Grade 2 over Easter but she was better again here in a race she never looked like losing. As is her wont Stormy Ireland (7/2) was enthusiastic and clinical from the front and Minella Melody was the only who could possibly have threatened her in the closing stages. The latter though could never land a really meaningful blow as a relentless Stormy Ireland went on to score by seven lengths.

The odds-on favourite Concertista could only manage third.

“She appears to have improved from Fairyhouse and it’s great for Danny. She has surprised me how much she has come on so maybe we will keep her in training and keep going. She looks to have plenty left in the tank,” remarked Mullins. “I think we might look at trying her on the flat at some rather than going chasing.”

Danny Mullins reflected: “Ruth who rides her out at home said to me this morning that she felt the mare had improved since Fairyhouse and I got that feeling from her there. I just love this mare and if Carlsberg did racehorses this is what you’d get.”

Intelligent

“She’s just so intelligent you just need to give her guidance rather than instructions. I knew in the backstraight I was getting clear at my ease and I was just trying to save a bit for the finish but she was doing it all within herself.”