Vischio records special success for Emmet and Danny Mullins

Family was to the fore as Vischio triumphed in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Paddy And Maureen Mullins Mares Handicap Hurdle, the opening event on day two of the Dublin Racing Festival.

Trained by Emmet Mullins and ridden by his cousin Danny, the pair are grandchildren of the race’s namesakes, who counted Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup winner Dawn Run among the stable stars when training and have spawned an Irish racing dynasty.

Their multiple champion trainer son Willie had a live chance in Straight Home this time around, but it was the younger Mullins generation who prevailed as Vischio made a late dash for the line after the final hurdle.

Making her debut for the yard, Vischio (8-1) shot clear of the field to win by five lengths from Kimy, with Qualimita back in third. British raider Queens Gamble could finish only sixth.

Vischio was bought for €52,000 in November and Emmet Mullins felt the purchase was a brave decision.

He said: “Danny and Jack (Cantillon) were talking at the sales back in October. She came advised from Danny, Jack was plucky to put his hand (up) and this race has been the plan since then.

“Once or twice I wasn’t sure where I had her, but luckily she just came right in the last week or two and she’s not a mare that takes a whole lot of work. It’s panned out in our favour for a change.

“If there was an early-season Pattern race on the Flat with cut in the ground, she’ll probably take her chance.”

Maureen Mullins died aged 94 last February and her grandson also managed to send out the winner of a race named in her honour at the Cheltenham Festival.

He added: “It’s been a special 12 months winning granny’s race, the National Hunt Chase, at the Cheltenham Festival as well.”