On Fire!
Sat 27 Apr 2024
WINNER 27 OF 2024: STOKE THE FIRE, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Mr Patrick Mullins: 'The Ak Bets Chat To A Trader Novices' Hurdle' over 2m at Perth.
Sent across the Irish Sea, as part of Mr Mullins' team this week, Stoke The Fire was a short priced favourite to take this, but in jump racing, nothing can be taken for granted when there are obstacles to clear!
He travelled strongly and was prominent in the chasing bunch. As the field came back together he was still going easily and took the lead before the last hurdle. Just shaken up as he jumped that, he kept on well and needed no extra encouragement to win easily, by a length.
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.racingtv.com/results/2024-04-26/perth/1440
Timeform rated it a 118 performance, saying: "Completed a simple task, adding another £4,225 into the kitty as his trainer closes in on the title; settled in touch, smooth headway 2 out, produced to lead approaching last, not fluent there, hard held; remains with potential, and no surprise to see him turn out at Punchestown next week.”
Patrick said in his Racing TV interview:
See the official photo gallery here: https://www.grossick.co.uk/p/80532khg/C385768831/x3-stoke-fire
Syndicate manager Tom says: "Well done to his owners on another win and many congratulations to Willie and his team on being crowned Champion Trainer - a feat not matched for 70 years. Stoke The Fire was impressive there and won in fine style. I will see what Willie wants to do with him next - once he has finished celebrating at Sandown on Saturday!"