Embassy Gardens too good for Monty’s Star in Tramore feature

Embassy Gardens barely broke a sweat when claiming the O’Driscoll’s Irish Whiskey New Year’s Day Chase at Tramore.

Willie Mullins’ nine-year-old started his chasing career last season and was runner-up in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival after two prior victories earlier in the term.

He returned to action under Michael O’Sullivan as a 9-1 chance at Tramore, with Henry de Bromhead’s Monty’s Star sitting at the head of the market as the 4-5 favourite.

Embassy Gardens took up the lead immediately and put plenty of space between himself and his rivals, a margin that may have been reduced but was never closed as he won by an easy five lengths.

“I just said to Mikey today that if there was nobody going on to bounce out and be positive on him,” said Mullins, who was watching on from Fairyhouse on a day when he saddled six winners across two meetings.

“He loves jumping, loves galloping and loves that ground.

“He had an easier task than his owner. When I was talking to Sean Mulryan (owner) he said he was on holiday with nine grandchildren and no television signal!.

“I thought last year he was a Grand National horse and that’s why we went for the National Hunt Chase, but I’m not sure that real extended trips suit him.

“I’m thinking is he better off being off being positive over two and a half to three miles rather than three and a half.

“He seems to run better fresh and we’ll have to factor all that into where he goes next. It’s great to have him back in that sort of form.”

The winning rider added: “It was brilliant. He gave me a super feel. He’s a dude of a horse. He jumped and galloped away, and he’d have gone round again.

“We were hopeful coming here. Dave Porter and Georgia, who look after him, were very happy with him. He was probably forward enough for his first run, and he just go into a lovely rhythm.

“Coming down the hill, I couldn’t believe how easy I was going. I had plenty left in the tank, and he winged the last and won quite snugly.

“I think he wasn’t right at the end of last season, but he’s a gorgeous horse, so I’d say there’s plenty of big ones in him.”