A forgotten wonderhorse owned by Willie Mullins and JP McManus has made a triumphant return after a staggering 1,372 days away from the track.
An impressive comeback
Elixir D'ainay, who was last seen falling during the 2020 Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, showed no signs of rust as he stormed to victory at Punchestown.
A genius trainer
Willie Mullins, known for his training prowess, proved once again why he is considered a genius in the sport. Despite being out of the limelight for nearly four years, the nine-year-old horse was prepared to perfection by Mullins and ridden to victory by jockey Mark Walsh.
The odds were in his favor
It seems someone had an inkling that Elixir D'ainay was destined for success. The horse's odds plummeted from 2-1 to 4-5 before the race, indicating that there was insider knowledge about his potential. Regardless of the betting frenzy, this victory was a testament to Mullins' training skills.
A stunning training masterclass
Elixir D'ainay took the lead early on and comfortably held off the 14-1 runner-up, Whimsy. Mullins has a history of training horses to win after long breaks, with Klassical Dream's victory in April 2021 after a 487-day absence being another notable example.
Impressed spectators
Punters and racing enthusiasts were in awe of Elixir D'ainay's comeback. One spectator summed it up by simply saying, "My God." Another praised Mullins' training performance, calling it brilliant.
A successful day for McManus
JP McManus, the owner of Elixir D'ainay, went on to win two more races, with Duffys Getaway and Spillane's Tower, completing an impressive treble at Punchestown.
Mullins' squad on form
Mullins' Closutton team is showing promising form as the Christmas festivals approach. With their recent success, they are surely ones to watch during the upcoming events.
Potential rule change
While Mullins and Elliott continue to dominate the racing scene, British racing chiefs are considering a rule change that could limit trainers to no more than four runners in big handicaps. This proposal has been met with mixed reactions, with Gordon Elliott branding it "lunacy."
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/miracle-at-fontwell-punter-wins-7000-bet-while-in-coma/
