Patrick Mullins broke the long-standing record for the number of winners from an amateur jockey in a calendar year when steering Zuzka home for his father Willie in the IBTA Fillies Scheme EBF Mares Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Zuzka provided him with his 73rd victory of 2012 to overtake Billy Parkinson, who had 72 winners way back in 1915.

Mullins rode his first winner as a 16-year-old in 2006 and enjoyed a cosy triumph on the 11-10 favourite. Jumping into the lead at the second-last flight, Zuzka quickened clear to score by six and a half lengths from Burn And Turn, with Mullins' other runner Glens Melody just behind in third.

The record-breaking rider said: "To achieve the record on the second last day of the year was extra special. I was lucky enough to equal it a couple of weeks back but I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever get to 73 winners!

"I owe it all to Dad of course. We had such a great summer and it wasn't until September that we thought there might be a chance of making an attempt at the record. I have to thank Ruby as well as he let me ride Zuzka today. I'm just lucky to be in a position to ride these horses."

A proud father said: "It is fantastic and I am delighted for Patrick. I would like to thank all our owners who have supported him over the year. Tony Sweeney made us aware of the record earlier in the year (Billy Parkinson was his uncle).

"We would also like to thank Father Moloney from Clongowes Wood who let Patrick out to ride when he was just 16 and I believe that made a terrific difference to his riding career.

"It was a bit of a freak year with the wet weather and we were able to keep our horses going through the summer. Traditionally June, July and August are quiet months for us and our yard went a bit quiet in October but Patrick was still able to pick up a few rides from other yards. It is an extraordinary record and it will be hard to see it beaten."

Of Zuzka, the trainer said: "Paul Townend got off her the last day and he said that she wanted the extra trip. She is improving all the time."

The amateur capped a memorable day with an easy win on Outlander (9-4 favourite) in the Thornton's Recycling Flat Race to give his father a treble.

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests