At Kempton on Monday, trainer Emmett Mullins celebrated a record double as Dream on Baby, owned by Copybet Meles, won the Listed hurdle race. The 5-year-old Irish horse, favored with a strong record of 9 wins and 4 losses, ran energetically under jockey Donner Mailer. Despite a late challenge from Bethpage, ridden by Emma Lovell, Dream on Baby maintained enough strength to secure the victory.
Mullins praised the filly, describing her as a consistent competitor who has been performing well both on the flat and over hurdles. He also secured a win in the CopyBet Acca Boost Up To 100% Handicap Chase with Another One, a 4-1 contender. Mullins highlighted the importance of the win for the Cork syndicate, noting their enthusiasm and support.
He explained that the plan for the filly had been in place for about a month, with prior hopes to win a Flatmaiden race before encountering tough competition. Mullins stressed the filly’s toughness and honesty, saying she deserved the win. While they don’t plan to rush into the next race, they remain hopeful for continued improvement and are pleased with the success today.
Looking ahead, Nicky Henderson is optimistic about his return to Kempton after Old Park Star’s successful hurdle debut in last year’s Copybet Daily Profit Boost/EBF Stallions ‘National Hunt’ Novice Hurdle. The five-year-old, ridden by Nico de Boinville, finished ahead by three lengths and represents a promising future for trainer Seven Burrows and owners Gordon and Sue Hall.
Henderson commented on the horse’s potential, noting that despite being a bit small, it’s a great horse with the potential to be a consistent competitor next season. De Boinville believes the horse will stay at the two-mile distance for now, and Henderson sees it as a horse to watch for the upcoming season.
However, Henderson faced disappointment as Jericho de Repone fell short against Lucie Wadham’s Jacks Junior in the Copybet ‘Chasing Excellence’ Beginner’s Chase. Jacks Junior, a six-year-old who won three hurdles last season, surged ahead by 12 lengths under Tom Cannon’s guidance, marking significant progress in this competitive race.
Wadham expressed excitement over the win, admitting it was unexpected. She revealed plans have shifted, and while unsure of the next step, she’s confident the horse is well-positioned without handicap limitations. Wadham plans to target races with specific conditions, noting the horse’s aptitude for jumping hurdles and fences. She praised the race distance as ideal, appreciating the opportunity it presented.
Fan Take: This thrilling day at Kempton highlights the emergence of promising talent and the strategic expertise of trainers like Mullins and Henderson. These results not only excite horse racing enthusiasts but also signal a refreshing wave of competitive horses set to shape the future of National Hunt racing.
