High five for Mullins with Chacun the star of show

A SCInTILLATInG display from Chacun Pour Soi contributed to a spectacular 1,875-1 five-timer for trainer Willie Mullins, who landed all three Grade One events on an historic opening day of the Punchestown festival. Only a narrow defeat for Hara Kiri in the closing nH Flat race denied Mullins a six-timer. Top-level victories for Susannah Ricci-owned star two-mile chaser Chacun Pour Soi, Echoes In Rain, and Colreevy — who dented the reputations of stablemate Monkfish and Envoi Allen in the Dooley Champion Chase — ensured it was a day to remember for the trainer. Wins for Jazzaway in the Killashee Handicap Hurdle and Adamantly Chosen in the Goffs Landrover Bumper completed the Mullins nap hand but it was Chacun Pour Soi’s five-and-a-half length demolition of stablemate Allaho which left connections purring. Jockey Paul Townend said: ‘That was a proper performance — that was the real Chacun and he jumped for fun. ‘His jumping kept me in my comfort zone at all stages — he was electric. ‘That just allowed me to fill him up as we went along, and he was a joy to ride and gave me a serious thrill.’ Colreevy, in foal to Walk In The Park, ended her racing career in the best possible fashion by galloping Monkfish and Envoi Allen into submission in the hands of Danny Mullins. Mullins senior earlier intimated that Echoes In Rain, stylish winner of the first Grade One of the meeting when landing the Champion novice Hurdle for son and rider Patrick Mullins, could have a date with Cheltenham next March. He said: ‘She’s improving and looks like she’s setting up for a chance at the Champion Hurdle.’