Paul Mulrennan lands 1,000th success with win at Doncaster

Paul Mulrennan became the latest jockey to join the 1,000-winner club after steering Camacho Chief to victory at Doncaster on Sunday.

The rider enjoyed a flying start to the week after registering a winner at Leicester on Monday and a double at Carlisle on Tuesday evening – and he rode his 999th winner at Hamilton the following day.

He came close to reaching the landmark when narrowly beaten in a race at York on Saturday, but went one better on Town Moor as the Michael Dods-trained Camacho Chief justified 9-4 favouritism with an assured display in the Lakeside Village Outlet Shopping Doncaster Handicap.

Mulrennan began his riding career in the year 2000 and enjoyed his first Group One success when steering Mecca’s Angel to a memorable triumph in the 2015 Nunthorpe at York. She went on to successfully defend her crown on the Knavesmire the following year.

More recently Mulrennan has enjoyed a fine association with another Dods-trained sprinter in Mabs Cross, who will line up as a major contender for the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday.

Mulrennan said: “Patrick Haslam gave me my first winner. Unfortunately he’s not with us now. He’s probably looking down thinking ‘How has he ridden 1000 winners?’ But I remember it all like it was yesterday.

“Obviously for the last few years I’ve been closely attached to Michael Dods’ yard. We’ve done really well with Mecca’s Angel, winning two Nunthorpes, and we’ve got Mabs Cross to look forward to this week at Royal Ascot. There's no doubt that riding Mecca's to win two Nunthorpes at the racecourse closest to my home, surrounded by so many friends, was the highlight of my career.

“There are so many people to thank – my family, my wife Adele for putting up with me, my agent Richard Hale, who I have been with for 17 years, and all the owners, trainers, staff and horses that have helped me do it.

“Reaching 1,000 winners is great a advert for racing and any young jockey. It proves you just have to keep working hard and never give up.”