IRISH STALLION FARMS

EBF ANNIE POWER

MARES CHAMPION

HURDLE (GRADE 1)

2M 4F

THE new star of the mares division duly ended her season on a high and fulfilled Willie Mullins’ long term objective of a Cheltenham and Punchestown double as Benie Des Diuex once again carried all before her.

Now unbeaten in five starts for the trainer, the sparingly campaigned seven-year-old upstaged Apple’s Jade at Cheltenham and did so again on this occasion to leave her trainer contemplating what route to take with her next term. In the short-term Benie Des Dieux looks set to rest on her laurels and justifiably so after taking the two strongest mares’ races run this season.

Apple’s Jade was an odds-on chance to gain her revenge and the stage was set for a battle royal from the second last as the multiple Grade 1 winner was being stalked by the Mullins mare while the remainder struggled to land a telling blow. The market leader tried her utmost to fend off her rival but Paul Townend and Benie Des Dieux (3/1) appeared to have her covered every step of the way and they moved on the approach to the last flight.

VICTORY

A good jump at the last made sure of victory for the Susannah Ricci-owned Benie Des Dieux and she came home three lengths ahead of her strong-finishing stablemate Augusta Kate. For just the second time in her career, Apple’s Jade suffered back-to-back defeats as she finished a further two and a half lengths away in third.

“She’s as good as I thought that she was. I had the aim of winning the mares’ hurdles at Cheltenham and here with her and she’s done that which is fantastic,” declared Mullins. “She’s very good. From the time she first won I nicknamed her Benie Des Douvan and her work at home is very good. I’d would imagine that will be it for this season. We could be tempted by France but I would say that’s it. I haven’t really thought about next season – Cheltenham and Punchestown was the plan for her.”

Just after this race Mullins was presented with his champion trainer title which has won for 11 consecutive years. Last year Mullins was taken to the final day of the season by his great rival Gordon Elliott but this time he had the championship in safe keeping with a day to spare. This is the 12th time in all that he has picked up the championship which allowed him to equal the late Tom Dreaper.

“After Tuesday it was just a relief to get back in the fight on Wednesday,” reflected the trainer. “I’m just delighted for all my staff and owners. I’ve got a great team and they take huge pride in what we do. They are an awesome team but Gordon’s not making things easy!”

When it was put to him that he had equalled Tom Dreaper’s record Mullins was typically understated and reverential saying: “I’m just humbled to be mentioned alongside him.”