JLT Novices

Chase (Grade 1)

ONE could use any number of superlatives to describe the display of Vautour in the JLT Novice Chase but, in short, this was simply a performance for the ages as he annihilated his rivals.

The brilliance and exuberance which characterised his victory in last year’s Supreme Novices Hurdle hadn’t been in evidence on Vautour’s last two starts. However, this outstanding display showed that those qualities burn brighter than ever in the Susannah Ricci-owned gelding and he is worth every accolade that comes his way.

A heavily supported 6/4 favourite to give Willie Mullins a record sixth winner of the week, Vautour produced a breath taking display of jumping from the front under Ruby Walsh. Indeed his jump at the last fence passing the stands on the first circuit drew generous acclaim from the crowd.

At this point Irish Saint was keeping Vautour company up front but the favourite produced one bold jump, gaining ground at many of his fences. On the approach to the straight Apache Stronghold threatened but he was quickly left toiling as Vautour surged clear to come home with 15 lengths to spare.

Apache Stronghold held second from old foe Valseur Lido to make it a clean sweep for Irish horses.

The previous afternoon Don Poli laid down his Gold Cup marker and this dazzling display leaves Mullins with an embarrassment of riches to choose from in the staying division next season.

“That performance was what I thought I could get out of him. Leaving here last year I thought that he was the best horse I had, better than Faugheen, and he is a fantastic horse who destroyed a top field there. I’d imagine we will be going down the Gold Cup route with him,” reflected Mullins.

“At Christmas he was one of a few of mine who went wrong and I know he won next time but I just couldn’t get him back right so I was hard on him and left no stone unturned to get him back,” added Mullins.

A thrilled Ruby Walsh added: “He’s the real deal. I may be wrong but you have to dream. I’ve always loved him and his pedigree would suggest he could get any trip. I stuck my neck out and said this horse is going chasing so it feels good to have worked out so well.

“He jumped like a gazelle and quickened up so impressively off the bend, I would say it was flawless. The horses behind are very good and he ran them ragged. Yes, he was brilliant,” concluded Walsh.