Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase (Grade 1)

FOR anyone who thought Willie Mullins’ domination of Tuesday’s Grade 1 fields might make for predictable viewing, the racing proved anything but, not that it meant that the champion trainer came away empty-handed.

Viewers knew there would be another surprise result in the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase after Cheltenham hero Lecky Watson (9/2) brought down Aintree victor Impaire Et Passe (11/4) at the fifth fence.

Danny Mullins has proven time and time again that he should never be underestimated aboard Closutton’s second, third or fourth strings, and he oozed confidence aboard 22/1 shot Champ Kiely approaching the turn for home. The redemption-seeking Ballyburn (11/8 favourite) had led from halfway under Paul Townend, but came under pressure turning for home.

Champ Kiely leapt into the lead at the second last and was ridden before the final fence, drawing clear on the run-in to score by six and a half lengths. Ballyburn claimed runner-up honours, with an 11-length gap back to Gordon Elliott’s Stellar Story (14/1) in third.

Mixed emotions

“He just didn’t enjoy Fairyhouse but he was a different horse today,” Willie Mullins said of his second Grade 1 winner of the day. “Danny rode him with huge confidence and he did everything right for Danny today.

“With all the bad luck we had in the race between fallers and horses being brought down, it was great to see Danny coming into the picture coming to the third last. Danny is riding great at the moment.”

On Ballyburn, Mullins commented: “He probably just didn’t jump well enough on the day, but everything else went well.”

Sourced from Pat Doyle after unseating on debut at Dromahane, Champ Kiely went on to win his first three starts for Mullins and owner Margaret Masterson.

He gained his first Grade 1 in the Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle, while his previous best over fences was an eight-length Grade 3 win in March.