RYANAIR GOLD CUP

NOVICE CHASE

(Grade 1)

THE emerging force that is Road To Respect handed an errant Yorkhill his first defeat over fences but the final outcome doesn’t even begin to provide the slightest clue as to what transpired in a truly enthralling edition of this Grade 1.

Following his clinical and professional display at Cheltenham, Yorkhill was an overwhelming favourite give Willie Mullins a first triumph in this race.

However, a potential Achilles heel was the return to a right-handed track as the Presenting gelding hadn’t convinced everyone when making a successful chasing debut at this track prior to Christmas.

It transpired that a second venture going right handed over fences was too much for Yorkhill although this prodigious talent very nearly pulled victory out of the fire despite losing countless lengths throughout the race.

As the runners headed out on the their final circuit, Yorkhill tanked his way into the lead and a series of hair raising moments were to follow.

After he got to the front, Ruby Walsh’s mount went way out to his left at a series of fences.

By contrast, fellow Cheltenham winner Road To Respect, whose dominant display at Prestbury Park marked him out as a potential Grade 1 performer, took the most direct route under Bryan Cooper.

Despite forfeiting considerable ground, Yorkhill remained in front approaching the straight where the drama continued to unfold.

It is hard to quantify just how much ground Yorkhill lost over the course of the race but such is his ability that he was in control and travelling well in between the last two fences. At this point, a hard-driven Road To Respect looked held in second but the complexion of the race was about to change dramatically.

At the last Yorkhill was again out to his left but inside the wings of that fence it looked as though he even might run out. Ruby Walsh was able to right him but the result was a ponderous leap that cost the leader valuable momentum. This handed all the initiative to Road To Respect who seized the opportunity to make his way to the front before holding the rallying Yorkhill by a neck.

“We tossed things around this week. This horse was also in the National but Disko didn’t come out of Cheltenham as well as this horse and we decided to wait for Punchestown with him and come here with this horse,” reflected Noel Meade.

“It’s worked out well for us. Obviously Yorkhill did things wrong and we benefitted but I do think that this horse is a proper Grade 1 horse. He was electric at Cheltenham, he’s only a young horse and I think he will improve going further. He is entered at Punchestown and we’ll have to discuss things but I’d say that could be it for the season.”

Of the runner-up Willie Mullins stated: “We know Yorkhill jumps to the left but we weren’t expect him to do it so badly today. He almost ran out at the last. He is a huge talent and it was very disappointing to lose the way he did.”

Mullins added that his charge was unlikely to run again at Punchestown and a return to hurdling is among the options that will be considered for him over the summer months.

IRISH STALLION FARMS

EBF MARES NOVICE

HURDLE CHAMPIONSHIP

FINAL (Grade 1)

HE looked to have a stranglehold on the outcome of this race and the first Grade 1 of the meeting duly went to Willie Mullins but it was Augusta Kate and not Let’s Dance who stole the limelight.

These two quality mares had enjoyed decidedly contrasting seasons with the odds-on Let’s Dance undefeated in five starts whereas Augusta Kate (8/1) had just a Thurles maiden hurdle to her name.

However, Augusta Kate would at the very least have pushed Death Duty close in a Naas Grade 1 in January only to fall at the last and she ran sixth in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham.

On a couple of occasions, jumping has been an issue for the winner and it looked as though that might cost her again when David Mullins produced her to tackle Let’s Dance as the last flight loomed. Augusta Kate flattened the final flight but the 8/1 chance gathered herself for another effort and she overcame Let’s Dance in the final 100 yards. The front pair finished six and a half lengths clear of Barra.

“She wasn’t happy at Cheltenham when we ran her in a chifney and earplugs so we took everything off her today and she seemed much happier,” stated Mullins, who trains the Yeats mare for a syndicate including Andrea and Graham Wylie, golfer Lee Westwood and television personalities Ant and Dec.

“Today she has come there to win her race and then flattened the last but she was still able to pick up again and beat a mare who has gone unbeaten this season.

“This a step forward from her and hopefully there’s more to come. This two and a half miles might be a better trip for her. We’ll just see how she comes out of this before deciding about Punchestown,” added the trainer.

Of the runner-up Mullins observed: “Let’s Dance didn’t seem as happy through the race.”