The Gael Warrior enjoyed the extended distance to take Chase Brooklands Golden Miller Chronograph Chase for the Mullins team in Aintree.
Training, which was trained by Willie and his son and assistant Patrick, was a coincidence of 11/4 patiently passing when he performed three miles in the first class and Furlong in the first class and jumped well.
He got his move in front of his home and was happily able to ride in the gray dawn to become his rider to become the first amateur to win the competition. Stage Star took third place.
Patrick Mullins said, “It’s the first time I was actually riding a chase here and it was a pleasant surprise when I allowed him to ride after Paul (Tatend) chose the embassy.
“He settled fantastically and jumped really well and jumped quite straight. I thought he would stay because he won three miles in beginners, but you really don’t know until you try an open class.
“He has a lot of free days for various reasons, but he is very, very good on the day.
“Today was left -handed and good land, and there were two things we thought were Achille’s heels, so maybe it only depends on what side of the bed it gets.
“Today he was on his best behavior and when he’s on his best behavior, it’s very hard to beat.”
The Gaelian warrior jumps over the fence in Aintree under Patrick Mullins
Mullins said, “It is great that Patrick could get to the horse, I thought Paul was riding him, but he chose the Gardens embassy (pulling up) – and looked good when he went in, hopefully he had just hit his nerves or something.
“The main goal of Patrick was to get him in one piece, and then we all know he has a class.
“He did not shoot in his previous two running and was simply not suitable for Cheltenham, but I thought we could run it too and could do more than just that.”
Dan Skelton said about Gray Dawning, “The turning point was running, but I’m just gutted to beat myself.
“We created our booth to come to this race, but a fair game for the winner, was dropped, drove quietly, and what more can you say?”
Gray dawn leads the chase field with a Gaeli warrior (pink cap)
Paul Nicholls said about Stage Star: “It runs really well, put it on them, we always went and ran really well.
“We know where we will be over three miles next year, and I would say that we will probably start him in Charlie Hall (in Wetherby). It’s not for King George, because he has to go the left, so we’ll plan it.
“He’s a good horse, running straight to the best, and that’s one of his best he runs today, I’m excited with him.”
