A star is born. On the day after Ruby Walsh hung up his saddle for the last time, Willie Mullins launched a potential superstar at Punchestown on Thursday when Chacun Pour Soi turned the Ryanair Novice Chase into a lap of honour.
Bought by key Willie Mullins man Harold Kirk – who else? – for Rich Ricci in France three years ago it’s been a long wait but what a way to announce yourself by putting both the Arkle and JLT winners Duc Des Genievres and Defi Du Seuil firmly in their places.
And Defi Du Seuil’s trainer Philip Hobbs said without hesitation: “No excuses, it’s quite simple – we were beaten by a very good horse.”
Robbie Power was always confident on the well backed 3/1 chance who was simply different gravy.
He’s seven years old and already looks the part for the Champion Chase. Quite frankly he’d give Altior plenty to think about.
It was a good day for Mullins supporters as earlier My Sister Sarah repaid those who backed her in from 6/1 to 4/1 jolly with a snug win under Paul Townend in the Grade B handicap hurdle.
Townend also steered 9/10 hotpot Elfile home in a Listed Mares Novice and punters were sure The Big Getaway would ensure Mullins won the last four races on the card by scooting home in the concluding bumper.
But alas the 4/7 “good thing” was beaten half a length by Noel Meade’s 8/1 shot Sixshooter. Ouch!
Earlier Unowhatimeanharry had regained top form to win the Ladbrokes Stayers Hurdle for a delighted Harry Fry.
Mark Walsh kicked the 16/1 shot home in front though it might have been very different had Vision Des Flos not made a ‘town halls” of the last.
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