Cesarewitch double for trainer Mullins
Royal Illusion has won the Irish Cesarewitch to give trainer Willie Mullins a rare double after Stratum won the English version at Newmarket a day earlier.
Giving 17-year-old rider Joey Sheridan a landmark success, Royal Illusion went quickly clear of the field after taking over at the head of affairs inside the two-furlong (400m) marker.
“Joey gave her a very cool ride. He’s obviously a talented young guy on the way up and I’ve been hearing only good words about him,” Mullins said.
“I didn’t think she would go on the ground. We have a nice team of staying Flat horses and it’s good to make use of them.”
Mullins then revealed ambitious plans for the pair.
“Last night I was thinking, ‘what are we going to do now with Stratum?’ – and there is a $2.5 million race out in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
“He goes on good ground and she goes on good ground. I’d imagine they will go there if they get an invite.
“It’s on February 29 and is not what I need two weeks before Cheltenham, but for that money we’ll have to go.”