NOBODY has won the Red Mills Chase (3.05) or Red Mills Trial Hurdle (1.55) more often than Willie Mullins and the Closutton camp hope to collect in both of Gowran Park’s feature events today.

The champion trainer supplies two of the three runners in the Grade 2 Red Mills Chase, headed up by last year’s eight-and-a-half-length winner Saint Sam.

Edward Ware’s stalwart has already accumulated over €260,000 in prize money and is still only an eight-year-old. Paul Townend, seeking a fifth win in the race, is aboard again, while Danny Mullins maintains his partnership with Classic Getaway, second in the Grade 2 Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase at Thurles last time. Henry de Bromhead and Robcour’s Journey With Me completes the line-up.

“Saint Sam has won 11 races now and this looks another great opportunity for him at his right trip on our local track,” said Patrick Mullins.

“He’s quickly turning into a bit of a cult hero, stepping into the category of Easy Game, Wicklow Brave kind of horse. 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.”

Something to look forward to

The Grade 3 Red Mills Trial Hurdle is viewed as the acid test for French recruit Kitzbuhel, having impressed on his Irish debut in December when beating Colonel Mustard in good style.

“We’re really looking forward to getting Kitzbuhel out again,” said the record-breaking amateur rider and assistant trainer. “He obviously put up what looked a very big performance first time out in Ireland at 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.”