Son Of Vadamos Bolts Up On Hurdle Bow

The Willie Mullins-trained Stoke The Fire (5g Vadamos – Jewel Of The Nile, by Authorized) made an impressive start over hurdles at Tramore on New Year’s Day.

The son of Vadamos carried the colours of Middleham Park Racing for the first time on Monday, having been purchased privately following his narrow defeat in the valuable November Handicap. He was sent off favourite for the maiden hurdle over two miles and five furlongs, with Danny Mullins riding the bay prominently throughout. He led from the third last and boasted a clear advantage by the next, keeping on well to win by 15 lengths with ease.

“He did it well,” Willie Mullins later said. “I was very happy with how he handled that ground for a Flat horse as well. Hopefully it’ll be the start of something.”

Bred by Haras des Pyrenees, Stoke The Fire completed a quickfire double on the card for his sire, with Bynx (Vadamos) having won the preceding hurdle for Martin Hassett.