The likely soft ground conditions at Tramore will is the main reason why Gold Cup hero Al Boum Photo will again go for the Savills New Year's Day Chase at the Co Waterford venue.
The son of Buck's Boum took the Listed contest in impressive fashion last January before winning the big one at the Cheltenham Festival in March and he will kick off his campaign in the same race.
Al Boum Photo was last seen finishing second to stablemate Kemboy in the Punchestown Gold Cup in the spring, on what proved to be Ruby Walsh's final ride.
Mullins stated the likely soft ground conditions at Tramore was the main reason for targeting the two miles, five furlong contest, rather than tackle Leopardstown's similarly-named, three-mile Savills Chase.
The trainer told RTÉ Sport: "We're going down there primarily because the ground is nice and soft and it suited him last year. We thought we'll go the same route again.
🎉AL BOUM PHOTO TO RETURN TO TRAMORE🎉
— Tramore Racecourse (@TramoreRaces) December 23, 2019
15 Entries for the Savills New Year's Chase @SavillsIreland @WLRFMsport @beat102103
🌟 Al Boum Photo
🌟 Delta Work
🌟 Monalee
🌟 Reel Steal
🌟 Cadmium
🌟 Balko Des Flos
🌟 Hardline
🌟 Shattered Love
🌟 Voix Du Revehttps://t.co/zwgT97RtIm
"After racing the other day (Leopardstown on Saturday) Paul Townend said to me that we did the right thing not running him in Leopardstown because he felt the ground was drying up all the time and was drier than it was described.
"It's sloppy and a bit tacky but underneath it's quite dry and firm and the times were saying that as well. They weren't heavy or soft ground times so we're happy enough with the decision we've made.
"He's in good shape but a lot of our big horses, having their first runs, are needing it. Hopefully he won't need it down in Tramore.
"He likes soft ground, it brings his stamina into play. He's a big horse and he likes a dig in the ground so I think the ground is quite important.
"The Samcro and Faugheen match drew a huge crowd to Limerick and I'd be pleased if this drew a nice crowd to Tramore as well."
