WILLIE Mullins was not on the winner’s podium at Auteuil last Sunday but he did return home to Closutton with winnings to the tune of €142,600 as his three runners were all placed in the Grade 1 races.

An English-trained horse did even better in the Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil which went to the Nicky Henderson-trained L’Ami Serge who was given a magnificent ride by Daryl Jacob.

Henderson has now won both the English and French Champion Hurdles as Buveur D’Air won the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

L’Ami Serge had previously been trained by Guillaume Macaire but was transferred to Henderson in 2014. The Irish-bred son of King’s Theatre was attempting three miles, one and a half furlongs for the first time and no doubt the addition of a hood and a change of bit helped the seven-year-old to last the distance, together with Jacob’s waiting tactics which were executed to perfection.

In his previous trip to Auteuil, L’Ami Serge was just collared by Shaneshill (receiving 4lb) in the dying stages of the Prix La Barka.

Dropped out last for most of the Grande Course, L’Ami Serge made a forward move rounding the final turn and only took control after the last. He went on to win by a length and a half from Alex De Larredya, with Shaneshill 10 lengths away third.

Last year’s winner of the race, Ptit Zig, was a spent force by the straight and finished eighth of the 10 runners.

DOUBTS

“I had my doubts before the race as I didn’t think he’d stay the distance of the Barka but I learnt a lot that day. The bonnet certainly helped and he was calmer this time. L’Ami Serge is a magnificent horse and had to be spot on to catch the top class Alex De Larredya at the end of the race,” reported Jacob.

Henderson said: “We were worried before the race as we weren’t sure he’d stay the trip. We had to find a way to switch him off and the bonnet seems to have done the trick. Daryl Jacob rode a magnificent race. I don’t think the ground at Auteuil was as testing as usual and that helped.

“It’s been exceptional to win the Champion Hurdle and the French equivalent in the same year. Now L’Ami Serge has proved himself over this distance, we must have a look at his future programme.”

ENERGETIC

Francois Nicolle was delighted with the runner-up Alex De Larredya. He commented: “He wore blinkers for the first time and they played a positive role.

“He was more energetic and serious this time. I’m happy because I’ve rediscovered my horse.”

Mullins said of Shaneshill: “I’d preferred to have won but am happy with his third place.

“He ran a little free early on and seems to flourish when the weather is set fair. The Galway Plate will almost certainly be one of his next targets.”

Blue Dragon attempted to make all the running but he was pulled-up after making several errors on the back straight before reaching the final turn.

Owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede shared Prince Ali and L’Ami Serge but Simon Munir is also the outright owner of the Grande Course runner-up Alex De Larredya.