Willie Mullins dominates at Fairyhouse
A Willie Mullins clean sweep in the Grade One Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Hurdle, headed by Adriana Des Mottes, capped another big afternoon for Ireland's champion jumps trainer at Fairyhouse.
Adriana Des Mottes, the 15-8 favourite, made all in the hands of Paul Townend to run out a ready seven-length winner with stablemates Beluckyagain and Urticaire second and third respectively.
"It's like having three winners with Adriana Des Mottes winning and Beluckyagain finishing second and running fantastic and getting some more black type for Urticaire," said the County Carlow trainer.
Mullins felt it was a blessing Adriana Des Mottes had been brought down as early as the second flight by her stable companion Abbyssial in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham.
"It was probably lucky that it happened so early at Cheltenham. You'd have to wonder how the two of them would have got on in the race," he said. "She's a fine big mare and she'll probably go for the four-year-old champion race at Punchestown."
Rich Ricci, the owner of Adriana Des Mottes, was also on the board with Arvika Ligeonniere (1-2 favourite) in the Normans Grove Chase.
The nine-year-old, also ridden by Townend, led a one-two for Mullins as he swept to an easy all-the-way victory by three and a quarter lengths from stablemate Twinlight as he bounced back from defeat in Cheltenham's Queen Mother Champion Chase.
"I thought he jumped particularly well. He was back the right way of going today," said Mullins.
"He'll go for the two-mile race at Punchestown. He seems to prefer going right-handed. The ground is a big factor too. he's a real brave chaser and we're lucky to have him."
Valseur Lido (5-2) made it three for Mullins when beating fellow Gigginstown House Stud-owned Real Steel in the Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Novice Hurdle.
Only 10th in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, Valseur Lido made it three wins from four starts this term as he collared the long-time leader at the final flight, going on to score by four and a quarter lengths under Davy Russell.
"It was a good ride from Davy biding his time and I loved the battling qualities of the horse," said Mullins.
"I don't think he'll have a problem with another half mile. He was always a brilliant jumper and he pulled out a lot today and he didn't show that at Cheltenham.
"He'll head to Punchestown. He'll get an entry in everything and he could go over a trip if the ground got better."
