Saint Sam will attempt to become the first back-to-back winner of the Red Mills Chase for 13 years at Gowran Park on Saturday.
A large attendance is expected, buoyed by the free tickets sponsored by Red Mills, and those in attendance will also be able to see the hugely promising Kitzbuhel in the Red Mills Hurdle.
The pair are both trained by Willie Mullins, and Gowran Park holds special resonance to the Closutton maestro, with his late mother Maureen, a former director and long-time shareholder.
Saint Sam provided Mullins with a seventh victory in the Red Mills Chase 12 months ago on a poignant occasion, just a matter of days after the passing of one of the great matriarchs of Irish racing.
Paul Townend was in the saddle as Edward Ware’s money-spinner cantered to an eight-and-a-half-length success over Riviere d’Etel, and having been on board for all bar one of the eight-year-old’s 11 triumphs, resumes the partnership once more.
Should they prevail, Saint Sam will be emulating Rubi Light, who represented the father-and-son, owner-training duo of Bill and Robbie Hennessy so well to land the spoils under Andrew Lynch in 2011 and 2012.
Mullins also saddles Classic Getaway, a beginners’ chase winner at the Kilkenny venue in November 2022, with nephew Danny donning the colour of Cheveley Park Stud for the 2m4f contest.
“Saint Sam is quickly turning into a bit of a cult hero, stepping into the category of Easy Game, Wicklow Brave kind of horse,” says Patrick Mullins, assistant trainer to his father.
“He’s won 11 races now and this looks another great opportunity for him at his right trip on our local track. The Red Mills Chase is a race we always like to try and keep a nice horse for and we are hoping he can add to his winning record.
“Classic Getaway has a big run in him and we’re hoping he can be competitive once again.”
Only three go to post but the quality and interest is enhanced considerably by the presence of Journey With Me. The six-time winner was victorious on his first outing for trainer Henry de Bromhead and owner Robcour in a Gowran bumper four years ago, with none other than Patrick Mullins doing the steering.
Darragh O’Keeffe was in the plate when the son of Mahler registered his most recent success, at Fairyhouse last April, and he will get the leg-up again.
Six horses stand their ground in the Red Mills Hurdle. Kitzbuhel was impressive when making a successful Irish debut at Punchestown in December for Willie Mullins and owner, Marie Donnelly, and will be favoured to join a roll of honour that includes Hardy Eustace, Macs Joy, Newmill, Solwhit, Un De Sceaux and Teahupoo.
Sir Gerhard also makes a quick turnaround for the Mullins team, after scoring in a charity race with the minimum of fuss for Aimee Morrissey 11 days ago, and the dual Cheltenham Festival hero would be a danger to all if reinvigorated by getting his head back in front after a fallow period.
Danny Mullins will do the steering on Sir Gerhard with Townend riding Kitzbuhel.The hugely admirable Beacon Edge is a former Grade 1-winning novice chaser, who is given his chance by trainer Gordon Elliott for the Cheeky Pups Syndicate, with Danny Gilligan reserved to navigate.
“We’re really looking forward to getting Kitzbuhel out again,” remarks Patrick Mullins. “He obviously put up what looked a very big performance first time out in Ireland in Punchestown. That looks really strong form and we’ll be hoping he can follow up here.“But obviously, Beacon Edge and Sir Gerhard set a decent standard, so if he can win well again here, we’ll know we have a right horse on our hands.
“Sir Gerhard did a very important job in the Up The Yard Challenge under a brilliant ride from Aimee Morrissey and hopefully he can pick up more prize money.”
The field is completed by Break My Soul, having his first run since being bought out of the Nicky Henderson yard by Ian Donoghue three weeks ago for new owner Matthew Rogers, Cian Collins’ gutsy frontrunner Effernock Fizz, and Queenie St Clair, representing the hopes of Wayne Kelly and Graiguenamanagh trainer, Dusty Sheehy.
There are seven races on the card, with the action getting under way at 1.20pm. To make travel easy, a return bus service from Kilkenny Castle to Gowran Park is available for just €10. Tickets for the bus can be purchased at the pick-up point on the day.