Irish jockey Danny Mullins rode to a winner in the King George at Kempton on Sunday, as Tornado Flyer won the historic St Stephen's Day race.
Trainer Willie Mullins' horse was the surprise winner of the chase that included Rachael Blackmore riding Minella Indo, and Bryony Frost riding Frodon.
Frodon and Minella Indo were out in front early on, while Tornado Flyer made the early error. With a circuit left to go, Minella Indo was in a narrow lead, with Frodon right behind.
TORNADO FLYER WINS THE KING GEORGE! 🌪
What a day for a Danny Mullins! 🇮🇪#VMTVRacing pic.twitter.com/sVd49AzVgL— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) December 26, 2021
Heading into the final stretch, both Minella Indo and Frodon had fallen behind, as Clan Des Obeaux and Saint Calvados traded the lead in front of Frodon.
A last-gasp challenge from Tornado Flyer saw the 28/1 odds Mullins horse take the shock winner at the last. It was enough for legendary jockey Ruby Walsh to share his delight on Virgin Media.
Great reaction from Ruby Walsh watching Danny Mullins' win in the King George. 😂#VMTVRacing pic.twitter.com/gDqH7cm7is
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) December 26, 2021
Speaking to Virgin Media after the race, Mullins suggested that he always knew that Tornado Flyer had it in him to take the big race.
"I didn't think he was totally out of this," Mullins said. "It was as competitive a race as has been run all year here in England.
"This lad has always had the promise to deliver something like this. We knew we a squeak. Going away, here the second time, I was starting to come alive.
"I was able to just keep taking him back and feeling him. Even down to the last on his own, idling, I wouldn't have minded Asterion Forlonge get to me.
"I think I had a little more left, but I was happy enough when I was left alone in the front two then."
"This lad has always had the promise to deliver something like this. We always had a squeak!"
Danny Mullins speaks to @MCYeeeHaaa after a huge win in the King George on Tornado Flyer. 🌪#VMTVRacing pic.twitter.com/Q8ZRuOiVNU— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) December 26, 2021
While he came into the race not given much of a chance at winning, Mullins suggested that any horse trained by Willie Mullins has a better than not chance to finish well.
"When you are riding for Willie, you've always got a chance," Mullins said. "No matter what price they are. I was lucky enough to ride a grade one winner for him 14 or 16 to one a few weeks ago as well.
"They are all there with a right chance. It's been, 2021, has been a great year for me. Loads of winner at the big, Cheltenham festival, and cap it off with King George. It is great!"
'IF YOU REALLY DON'T GIVE A TOSS ABOUT RACING, HAVE A LOOK AT THIS RACE' | FRIDAY NIGHT RACING
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