RACING: Tributes to Paddy Mullins continued to flow in yesterday after the popular trainer's retirement at the weekend.

The 86-year-old trainer of the legendary Dawn Run saddled his last runner at Thurles on Saturday after a 52-year career that took him to the heights of the sport on the flat and over jumps.

Dawn Run remains the only horse ever to complete the Champion Hurdle-Gold Cup double, a feat that provoked wild scenes of celebration at Cheltenham 19 years ago.

However, Mullins himself has nominated Hurry Harriet's 1973 success in the Champion Stakes at Newmarket as his own personal highlight.

Mullins's son Tom will take over the reins at the Goresbridge yard from which he helped the old master produce Vintage Tipple to win the Irish Oaks two years ago under Frankie Dettori.

"Paddy has made an immense contribution to Irish racing and the impact of his children will continue to keep the Mullins name at the forefront of the industry," said the Horse Racing Ireland chief executive Brian Kavanagh yesterday.

First winner: Flash Parade at Punchestown on April 29th, 1953.

First Cheltenham winner: Herring Gull in the 1968 Totalisator Novice Chase.

Champion Hurdle: Dawn Run (1984). Gold Cup: Dawn Run (1986).

Classic winner: Vintage Tipple in the 2003 Irish Oaks.

Irish Grand National: Vulpine (1967), Herring Gull (1968), Dim Wit (1972), Luska (1981.)