Patrick Mullins misses out on easy Wincanton winner after flight is diverted

Thursday: Wincanton

The heavy fog did not force an abandonment at Wincanton but it did cause a nightmare day for Patrick Mullins, whose flight to Bristol was delayed and then diverted to Birmingham meaning he missed out on a winner.

Richie McLernon instead got the late call up aboard odds-on favourite Filey Bay in the 1m7f handicap hurdle and was able to steer the Emmet Mullins-trained runner to an easy win.

Meanwhile, Mullins had to arrange an alternative flight back to Ireland and rued a missed opportunity to gain a first jumps win in Britain away from Cheltenham and Aintree.

"It's just one of those things," the champion amateur said. "The plane circled for nearly an hour above Bristol, then we were diverted to Birmingham which meant I couldn't get down in time. I've had to change my flight back so it's not been ideal but at least the horse won."

Emmet Mullins: trainer had to switch jockeys for Filey Bay due to the fog at WincantonCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Filey Bay was backing up his six-length success at Doncaster on Saturday under a 7lb penalty and making it 2-2 for the McLernon and Mullins combination, yet the jockey admitted navigating his path in the thick fog was a major challenge.

"You don't see much, it's not great out there," he said of conditions. "I travelled away grand. Turning into the straight I couldn't really see where we were going but we had a fair idea.

"When we turned in, the line we took to the hurdle wouldn't have been very straight. They've done great to get this on, when we get to a hurdle you can see them no problem so it's fine. We're all a sensible bunch of lads. It's not dangerous but the visibility is poor."

An inspection was held ahead of the third race due to the fog but conditions were deemed safe. The Lydia Richards-trained Certainly Red won the first contest after the inspection, a 3m1f handicap chase, and the trainer admitted conditions were frustrating.

She said: "I didn't have a clue what he'd been doing, you just have to ask the jockey. It's not very satisfying obviously, it's frustrating. We were stood up in the stands not knowing whether he was first, last or anything. It's very tricky."

The trainer also praised Henrietta Knight for the improved form of Certainly Red. The eight-year-old had commonly made mistakes but his jumping was smoother here according to jockey Marc Goldstein.

Hot Harry

Conditional jockey Harry Kimber is enjoying a brilliant season and extended his tally to 22 with a double on the card.

Kimber, who is now third in the conditional jockeys' championship, struck aboard Shutupshirley in the 3m½f novice handicap hurdle before landing the following handicap chase on the Bill Turner-trained Born At Midnight.

"It's brilliant to get a double here," he said. "It's my local track and all my friends and family are here. Born At Midnight has had a bit of a tough start but he's progressive now and I'm chuffed he's having some luck.

"The season is going really well, I've had a lot of support and I'm very appreciative."

Results, replays and analysis

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