GRAND National-winning jockey Patrick Mullins showed sheer ‘genius’ to win this race – but punters demanded an immediate rule change.
One top tipster said ‘that should never be allowed to happen ever again’ after seeing what he did in a Limerick bumper.
Patrick Mullins using the all-weather strip down the back en-route to victory in the heavy-ground bumper at @LimerickRaces !
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) February 10, 2026
Commentary here from @Dazjacob10 and @AJD1Racing pic.twitter.com/T61qmputiD
Patrick Mullins weaved in and out of the wings to run on the all-weather track during the heavy ground bumperCredit: Racing TV
The Grand National-winning jockey saved crucial energy on the fresh surface while his rivals slogged through the mud – and he ran out a nine-length winner on the 14-1 outsider
Mullins, the amateur jockey son of trainer Willie, was on 14-1 outsider Of Land And Sea in the 1m7½f contest.
The going was heavy at the Irish track – and that was what led to Mullins’ moment of inspiration.
Fully aware his horse and all others would get bogged down in the sloppy going, Mullins cleverly used the nearby all-weather track during the race.
Veering off the turf entirely, Mullins, who won last year’s National on Nick Rockett, glided down the artificial surface – a small strip down the back – while all his rivals plugged on.
It was likened to him running on concrete while all the others waded through slush, giving his mount a huge advantage.
When the artificial surface ended, Mullins moved back onto the turf, safe in the knowledge he had conserved significant energy for his mount.
The cunning plan worked spectacularly, with the Paul Hennessy-trained runner winning by nine lengths.
That’s all the more amazing considering he gave 5-1 runner-up Jury Time more than a stone in the weights.
You had to hold your hands up and applaud Mullins – but it didn’t stop those viewing it saying the rules had to change.
Prominent punter Gavin Lynch wrote on X: “How can a horse run for maybe two or three furlongs on an all-weather track in a heavy ground bumper?
“Well done Patrick but that should never be allowed to happen ever again.”
More to follow.
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