Walsh is all a Tingle as Mullins wins big

UN DE SCEAUX landed a pulsating Tingle Creek Chase to give trainer Willie Mullins a grade one win with his first runner of the season in Britain and sound a warning to those who have suggested his position as Ireland’s champion trainer is under threat.

Jockey Ruby Walsh punched the air after Un De Sceaux had beaten dual Tingle Creek winner Sire De Grugy by a length in a see-sawing battle up the Sandown climb to the finish.

Mullins, who lost 60 horses when Michael O’Leary removed his Gigginstown Stud, and also lost one of his best horses when Vautour was killed in a freak paddock accident, trails his big rival Gordon Elliott by over €500,000 in the Irish title race.

But the giant is beginning to awaken. Yesterday’s win was his second grade-one success in a fortnight and he has mare Vroum Vroum Mag heading his challenge for the Grade One Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse today. Walsh said: ‘The more you write us off, the more you p*** us off and the harder we try. It’s great when he gets rewarded and you ride a big winner for him.’

Vroum Vroum Mag connections are expecting a ‘big run’ at Fairyhouse from the Rich Ricci-owned Punchestown Champion Hurdle winner.

Assistant trainer Patrick Mullins said: ‘She’s extraordinary, really, and just very talented. It would be great if she could add another Grade One.’

l Trainer Mouse Morris is looking forward to seeing how Alpha Des Obeaux fares in the Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase after two first-place finishes last month.

‘I’ve been happy since he won at Thurles, and Fairyhouse will be another step in his education,’ said Morris.