Tramore New Year's Day review & replays: Willie Mullins makes perfect start to 2025

Gardens in full bloom on return

Embassy Gardens made all the running to beat hotly-fancied Monty's Star in the feature Grade 3 O'Driscoll's Irish Whiskey New Year's Day Chase.

Henry De Bromhead's Monty's Star was among the leading novices last season and was representing a yard with a fine recent record in the New Year's Day contest, but Rachael Blackmore's mount had to settle for second behind the enterprisingly-ridden Embassy Gardens in the hands of Michael O'Sullivan.

Last season's National Hunt Chase runner-up was also making his first appearance of the current campaign and the 9/1 shot jumped well on his way to an easy five-length victory over the 4/5 favourite.

The winner was clipped to 40/1 from 100/1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup by Betfair and Paddy Power, who also make him the same price (from 66s) for the Randox Grand National at Aintree.

WATCH: Embassy Gardens makes all the running to win on seasonal debut

"I just said to Mikey today that if there was nobody going on to bounce out and be positive on him,” said Mullins, who was watching on from Fairyhouse on a day when he saddled six winners across two meetings.

“He loves jumping, loves galloping and loves that ground.

“He had an easier task than his owner. When I was talking to Sean Mulryan (owner) he said he was on holiday with nine grandchildren and no television signal!

“I thought last year he was a Grand National horse and that’s why we went for the National Hunt Chase, but I’m not sure that real extended trips suit him.

“I’m thinking is he better off being off being positive over two and a half to three miles rather than three and a half?

“He seems to run better fresh and we’ll have to factor all that into where he goes next. It’s great to have him back in that sort of form.”

The winning rider added: “It was brilliant. He gave me a super feel. He’s a dude of a horse. He jumped and galloped away, and he’d have gone round again.

“We were hopeful coming here. Dave Porter and Georgia, who look after him, were very happy with him. He was probably forward enough for his first run, and he just go into a lovely rhythm.

“Coming down the hill, I couldn’t believe how easy I was going. I had plenty left in the tank, and he winged the last and won quite snugly. I think he wasn’t right at the end of last season, but he’s a gorgeous horse, so I’d say there’s plenty of big ones in him.”

Mullins makes ideal start

The opening 2025 race in Ireland - the two-mile David Flynn Construction Maiden Hurdle - went to Mullins and jockey Brian Hayes as More Coko readily got the job done.

Settled just behind leading pair Rockonliam and Kilbarry Ce Ce, the 6/4 joint-favourite travelled and jumped smoothly throughout and came to pick up the running at the second-last when fellow market leader Rockonliam was caught flat-footed.

Hayes gave the son of Cokoriko a shake of the reins heading to the last and, after another good jump, the five-year-old cruised over the line to score by two and three-quarter lengths from Kilbarry Ce Ce (10/1), with 80/1 shot Kentucky Beach running on for third.

Mullins had previously won the same maiden with the likes of Saint Roi and subsequent top-class winner El Fabiolo.

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