'He keeps surprising us' - canny Danny Mullins makes the most of home comforts with Navan treble

His old pal Il Etait Temps might have got on just fine without him at Sandown but Danny Mullins still made hay at home with Doctor Steinberg the highlight of a 46-1 treble for the Closutton supersub.

The jockey was on board the Tingle Creek winner for his last visit to Sandown when he ran away with the Celebration Chase but Paul Townend was on duty this time, so Mullins stayed at home to mop up at Navan.

His uncle Willie has now won the Grade 2 Tote Guarantee, Never Beaten By SP Navan Novice Hurdle eight times as Doctor Steinberg added his name to a roll of honour that includes Mikael D'Haguenet (2008), Boston Bob (2011), Pont Alexandre (2012), Briar Hill (2013), Bellshill (2015), Next Destination (2017) and Easy Game (2018).

It was courtesy of a relentless galloping display that he got there, making all the running on the way to a four-and-a-three-quarter length victory over Thedeviluno.

The winning jockey said: "You'd imagine he could be a type for the Albert Bartlett, but if you are winning over two and a half miles around here, he is not lacking that bit of speed as well. He keeps surprising us and stepping up, which is a great trait."

There was no surprise to see Saint Baco land the 2m maiden hurdle and the 5-6 favourite quickened up smartly to beat Lazare De Star and show us why Willie Mullins has given him an entry in the Grade 1 Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Saint Baco (Danny Mullins) wins the 2m maiden hurdle at Navan

Saint Baco wins the 2m maiden hurdle under Danny MullinsCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"It takes a fair beast to come to Navan on winter ground like that and run out a nice winner the way he did," Mullins said. "We’re delighted with the performance and we knew he was a nice horse at home."

The treble was completed by Predators Gold in the 2m4½f beginners' chase, sticking his neck out to beat former Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner Slade Steel by a length and a half.

"This is a Willie Mullins masterpiece," his nephew said afterwards. "He was nearly a year and a half off the track and then comes back to win a race like that, beating Slade Steel and Wingmen. It's some training performance."

Elliott mops up

Gordon Elliott was also in cracking form at his local track as he helped himself to a 156-1 treble thanks to Road Exile, Gringo D'Aubrelle and Down Memory Lane.

Noel Moran of Bective Stud won his own prize as Gringo D'Aubrelle landed some nice wagers in the Listed 3m1½f handicap hurdle, returning at 6-1 having been 18-1 in the morning.

Road Exile and Jack Kennedy win the 2m maiden hurdle at Navan

Road Exile: one of three winners for Gordon Elliott on SaturdayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Road Exile was tough in the 2m maiden hurdle under Jack Kennedy but the former champion produced a ride of beauty on Down Memory Lane in the Listed 2m4½f handicap chase, kidding him into the race before seeing off stablemate Search For Glory.

"There is only one winning post and Jack knew exactly where it was, he gave him a great ride," Elliott said afterwards.

Kid one for the future

Charismatic Kid looked like he would gallop forever in the concluding bumper, making every yard of the running under Ray Barron for Limerick-based trainer Colm Ryan.

There was some 25-1 available the night before, but he was supported all the way into 4-1 and never looked in any danger on the way to a six-and-a-half-length success.

A beaming Barron said afterwards: "He's one for the future and he's as good a horse I've sat on for a long time."

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