“It’s a special day, definitely,” said Mullins, after riding Gavin Cromwell’s horse to a cosy success. “It’s a nice milestone to achieve but I don’t think much of that is down to me. It’s the people I’m riding for, the great owners, trainer and stable staff, and all I do is turn up on the day and do five minute’s work, so it’s a lot of people behind the scenes that have made this happen.” 

Parting with a little laugh, he added: “I think there are still a few miles on the clock yet.” 

And he wasted no time getting off the mark for the next 500 as he gave the James Dullea-trained Kings Halo a super ride to take the Ladies Cove Handicap Chase.

Mullins has enjoyed plenty of success riding for Dullea, whose strike-rate at this venue, from more than 120 winners, is a mightily impressive 17%.

“James is very sharp,” said Mullins. “When he gets the right horse, he’s well able to place them, and I’ve been very lucky for him over the years, and hopefully even with this fella he can win a few more.” 

Conor Owens made his breakthrough aboard 22-1 chance Blossom De Mai, trained by Philip Rothwell. He settled his mount, who was returning from a long break, out the back and brought her through late in the piece to win a shade cosily.

Said the Rathvilly, Co Carlow, native: “I never sat on her at home, but Philip gave her a little squeak. On bits and bobs of her form, she definitely had a little chance off a light weight. Just trying to keep tabs on the main ones going round, and it was Mikey O’Sullivan (on fourth-place C’est Rien) that I followed most of the way, and thankfully I was able to pick them up.” 

Of his nascent career as a jockey, he said: “I’m 26, so I’m probably getting on to be riding my first winner, but I only started race-riding about a year ago, when I joined Philip. I was with Willie Mullins for a couple of years, but, funnily enough, I’ve only been riding horses for about three years, so I’m definitely a late bloomer.” 

There was a huge upset in the opener, the 2024 Annual Badge At Tramore Racecourse Maiden Hurdle, in which Soldante got up late to defeat 2-9 favourite Jolie Coeur Allen. The latter was quite warm beforehand, which was an achievement in itself on the day that was in it, and while she was in front from the second-last flight (only two were jumped on each circuit, due to the low sun), she looked potentially vulnerable.

So it proved, as Soldante, ridden by Eoin Walsh, got past her close home to win a shade cosily. In doing so, he continued the fine run of trainer Ciarán Murphy, who is doing well under both codes.

“He just had one go at her and it worked,” said Murphy. “Eoin felt he struggled a bit on the real heavy ground, but he sees out two miles well, which was a big help to him. I wasn’t too happy when I saw the two hurdles going out as, essentially, he’s a jumper, but he got away with it.

“The horses are running great and we’re trying to pick our targets as best we can along the way, and hopefully we’ll have a few more before Christmas and make it into a nice year for us.” 

The Henry de Bromhead-trained Banprionsa was sent off 2-5 to win the New Year’s Day Discount Tickets Online Mares’ Maiden Hurdle and duly obliged. Rachael Blackmore, in the familiar silks of Kenny Alexander, had to get somewhat serious at the close of play but this was a box-ticking exercise for a mare who will be seen in a better light on better ground.

There was a nice gamble landed in the 2024 Group Package Deals Online Handicap Hurdle as Buachaillbocht, trained by Ted Walsh for JP McManus, and ridden by Mark Walsh, justified heavy support into 3-1 favouritism. Patent signs of greenness remain but he was good enough to get the job done on his first start of the season and his handicap debut.

Willie Mullins had a 2-9 shot turned over in the opener, but Jody Townend ensured there would be no repeat for the trainer when guiding Where’s My Jet, who was on stable debut, to victory in the finale, the Garrarus Beach Bumper.