28 December 2023 , 16:47
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Jockey Patrick Mullins has explained why he was cross at his cousin Danny after a race on home turf.
The pair exchanged words following the conclusion of Limerick's Guinness Faugheen Novice Chase. Amateur rider Patrick won the race on Cheltenham Festival prospect Gaelic Warrior, who eventually justified his short odds in style. However his backers had a nervy moment when Danny tried to sneak up the 4-7 favourite's inner on stablemate Il Etait Temps.
The two horses came close to colliding, but Gaelic Warrior was able to ease clear from that point for a five-and-half length call.
Explaining what happened, Patrick said: "I'm trying to get a breather into him (Gaelic Warrior). I told Danny going out that there will be a gap on the inside at the second last: 'Do not come for it.'
"He hasn't listened to me, luckily he hasn't got the two of us beat. But it didn't matter." A racecourse camera picked up Patrick waving his finger in Danny's face at the conclusion of the 2m3½f contest. Patrick's father Willie Mullins, who trains Gaelic Warrior, said: "My son and my nephew tried to kill one another going over the second last fence.
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"I don't know what Patrick said to Danny but I'd imagine they wouldn't be coming home in the same car anyhow!"
Mullins trained four winners on the day, headlined by the runaway success of Galopin Des Champs in Leopardstown's Savills Chase. The reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup hero is now 5-4 for a repeat at Prestbury Park on March 15.