Mullins hoping to master Velka Pardubicka challenge

Patrick Mullins will be bidding to make it third time lucky in the Velka Pardubicka when he gets the leg up aboard defending champion Mr Spex at Pardubice on Sunday.

The decorated amateur rider is yet to complete in the challenging four-and-a-quarter-mile cross-country contest, having fallen from Kaiserwalzer in his two previous attempts in the famous Czech contest.

However, he has a Pardubice specialist on his side this time around, with Lubos Urbanek's nine-year-old not only the winner last year, but also third in 2021.

"It's a hugely exciting day and it's an honour to be asked to go and ride last year's winner," said Mullins.

"It's a fantastic opportunity and I can't wait.

"This is my third time going over and I've had a few seconds and thirds in some of the other races but no joy in the Velka yet.

"Mr Spex won last year and was third the year before, so he would have to have a huge chance and I'm hoping for third time lucky. He has a fabulous record around the track and a clear round would be a great start, but I'm hoping we will be bang there at the finish as well."

Charlie Mann was the last British rider to triumph in the Velka Pardubicka when partnering It's A Snip in 1995, but no Irish jockey has ever won the unique contest, which Mullins has many fond memories of from down the years.

He added: "I remember Richard Dunwoody going over one year to ride Risk Of Thunder and Ruby (Walsh) went over one year and broke his leg in a race before the Velka.

"When you watch the videos of it, it is proper National Hunt racing. To be a part of it and compete in it is a privilege."

Despite failing to complete in his two previous spins aboard Kaiserwalzer, the County Carlow native believes the Pardubice cross-country circuit compares