Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Mullins in day two hat-trick
ALTHOUGH out of luck in the Gold Cup, Willie Mullins struck on the double with Galopin Des Champs and Kilcruit in the other Grade 1 action, part of a Wednesday treble for Closutton.
Winner of the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham, 13/8 favourite Galopin Des Champs (Paul Townend, now six clear of Rachael Blackmore) ran out an impressive 12 lengths winner of the Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle, slamming Gentlemansgame, Stattler and Albert Bartlett winner Vanillier.
“He looked very smart, stepping up to three miles,” said Mullins. “When Paul gave him a squeeze he took off and the race was over turning into the straight.”
Mullins added: “He was very slick over his hurdles and could be a Stayers Hurdle candidate. But I wouldn’t mind going over fences with him.”
Later, Kilcruit (11/8) reversed Cheltenham form with stable-companion and 5/6 favourite Sir Gerhard in the Itm-sponsored Champion Bumper, giving Derek O’connor his first win in this prestigious Grade 1 event.
Kilcruit’s stamina came into play in a strongly-run race and stayed on to score by four and three-quarter lengths, with O’toole coming through to deny Sir Gerhard second spot.
Mullins said: “He looked very good there. For a horse that won on heavy ground in Navan, he glided down to the start on that nice ground. They went a tough pace, but Derek never had a problem on him.”
The champion trainer rounded off another good day when Grangee, ridden by Patrick, landed the Grade 3 mares’ bumper in convincing style, edging her rider two clear of Jamie Codd in the amateur titlerace while Willie now has eight on the board for the 2021 Punchestown Festival.