From Swedish Leger to Galway handicap: Willie Mullins recruit backed for big pot

It is not often Scandinavian Classic form shakes up a Galway festival market but new Willie Mullins recruit Lot Of Joy has done just that in recent days and is now one of the leading fancies for Monday's feature Connacht Hotel Handicap (6.40).

Mullins has never been afraid to shy away from convention when it comes to recruiting and placing his horses, and next week's big-race entry for the 2021 Swedish St Leger winner is another example of his ambitious left-field thinking.

Last seen in November winning a 1m4f conditions race on dirt at Jagersro in Malmo, the Camelot filly could be one of the most intriguing runners on show next week given her unorthodox profile.

Twice a winner from nine starts in Scandinavia while under the care of top Norwegian trainer Wido Neuroth, her crowning moment came when staying on strongly to land the Swedish St Leger over 1m7f at Bro Park in October.

She also finished second in the Swedish Oaks, sixth in the Norwegian Derby and third in the Norwegian Oaks before changing hands for €165,000 at the Arqana December Sale in France.

Having been available at 20-1 earlier this week, Lot Of Joy has now been cut to 6-1 joint second-favourite by Paddy Power for the prestigious €110,000 amateur riders' prize, though the champion trainer also supplies market leader Echoes In Rain.

Ruby Walsh, a key figure in the Closutton operation, spoke positively about the half-sister to Irish St Leger winner Sonnyboyliston on Paddy Power's From The Horse's Mouth podcast.

"Lot Of Joy goes well at home," he said. "I have no idea whether she'll get two miles up the hill at Galway but she does show a nice bit at home. She's rated 92.

"I think Patrick [Mullins] is going to ride Echoes In Rain. I thought she ran reasonably on her first Flat start for a long time [when second] at the Curragh."

Willie Mullins has won the race three times in the last five years and rode Pargan to victory in 1985.

Connections will be hoping Galway proves a happy homecoming for the four-year-old given she was bred in Ireland by Diane O'Neill and sold at Goffs for €120,000 as a foal and €200,000 as a yearling.

It will not be the first time that Galway has welcomed an international campaigner to the seven-day spectacular. Japanese raider Pop Rock, a close second in the 2006 Melbourne Cup and 2007 Japan Cup, won a 1m6f conditions race at the 2010 festival for Curragh-based trainer Takashi Kodama and jockey Fran Berry.

Lot Of Joy is also entered for the 1m4f Guinness Handicap on Friday at Galway and next month's Sky Bet Ebor at York.

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