Every dog has his day – and occasionally, even the underdog.
Kilmessan Puma went into Friday’s Coral Essex Vase Final having won career outings 101 and 102 – both times at 14-1. But he had clearly been lucky. Why else would the August ’16 veteran be priced up at 16-1?
Those odds would have shortened as soon as the orange jacket emerged . . .
Trainer David Mullins said: “In the heats and the semis, he just came away, there was a bit of trouble behind him and it was pretty much the same in the final. He took full advantage though I don’t think anyone could describe him as lucky. He did what he had to do and he held off the two he had to hold off.”
So were the kennel all odd at big odds? (A £10 acca on the three victories would have netted £38,240)
David said: “I don’t bet anymore, not because I lost, I was quite successful at it, backing my own dogs. But when our contracts were improved it meant I didn’t have to. I think the owners were on, in the semis and the final.
“I think he was 130-1 ante post. I am really pleased for Tim, Des and Robin. They have four dogs with me and have just bought two pups, so it was a particularly good night for them.”
The 50 points from the victory saw David rise above big brother John in the Trainers Championship.
Trainer David Mullins and kennelhand Kelly Gutteridge with Essex Vase champ Kilmessan Puma. Photo: © Steve Nash
