Willie and Danny Mullins - combined to win again
Willie and Danny Mullins - combined to win again

Willie and Danny Mullins wins Guinness Kerry National again with Ballygunner Castle


Ballygunner Castle (11/1) gave Danny and Willie Mullins back-to-back victories in the Guinness Kerry National Handicap Chase at Listowel.

A whole host of horses had chances leaving the back straight but the winner, who was always close to the pace, was in the perfect place to strike.

He took a definite lead between the final two fences and a safe leap at the last, sealed the victory.

The seven-year-old stayed on strongly to the line to beat Old Man Dingle by four-and-a-half lengths. Downmexicoway, sent off a well-backed 7/2 favourite, ran on into third.

Video Play Button

Unlimited Replays

of all UK and Irish races with our Race Replays

Discover Sporting Life Plus Benefits Sporting Life Plus - Join For FreeSporting Life Plus - Join For Free

The winning rider told Racing TV: "It's unbelievable. To go out and win the feature race of the Harvest Festival here in Listowel is just fantastic. It was a great performance from the horse and I was glad to be on his back.

"It just didn't happen at all in Galway last time. The whole team were disappointed. We made a few minor adjustments today and found a great early rhythm in the race. Tactics were adjusted and it was a good performance but we'd always expected it from him and were kind of scratching our heads over why it hadn't come sooner but there's no better day than to win a Kerry National.

"We got away, jumped well in the first half and got a good jump at the third last and I thought we'd land upsides Mark (Walsh on Doctor Ken) but he just quickened through the bend, on the apex he was getting away from me and I was thinking 'am I done with here?'

"But once I got levelled off he galloped home strong and hit the line well."


More from Sporting Life

Safer gambling

We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.al

If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.

Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.

Like what you've read?

Next Off

Follow & Track
Image of a horse race faded in a gold gradientYour favourite horses, jockeys and trainers with My Stable
Log in
Discover Sporting Life Plus benefitsWhite Chevron
Sporting Life Plus Logo

Most Followed

MOST READ RACING