THE Triumph Hurdle was Irish dominated, or moreover Closutton dominated as Willie Mullins saddled no fewer than the first four home with Lossiemouth (147) leading home a one-two-three for the fillies from four of the 15 runners.

The final race time comparison with the County Hurdle shows the handicappers to be 0.5secs quicker over the extended two-mile trip. However, the finishing split qualifies the juveniles for a sectional upgrade to put them on a level playing field.

The pace looked fierce early in the Triumph Hurdle as Jupiter Du Gite set the gallop from a host of close pursuers including Hypotenus and Blood Destiny. All three were spent before the race began in earnest.

A breakdown of the final circuit shows there was a chance to draw breath as the pace undoubtedly paused at the top of the hill when Lossiemouth looked to be in front against the wishes of her jockey.

The visual impression is supported by Mullins’ juvenile reaching the second last hurdle 3.4secs behind Faivoir when comparing their final circuit.

However, from that point, the Rich Ricci-owned four-year-old produced the finish of the day over hurdles as she completed her race in 52.8secs, 1.6secs quicker than Dan Skelton’s winner. In fact, the first three home in the opening race were quicker than the handicap winner.

Gala Marceau (144) was the beneficiary of Lossiemouth enduring a troubled passage when they met previously at the Dublin Racing Festival. At Cheltenham the roles were reversed as Danny Mullins found his intended gap closing at the second last.

Once switched to challenge, the daughter of Galiway came home to similar effect as the winner as she also clocked 52.8secs for her closing sectional. The pair look all set for a decider at Punchestown.

Zenta (144) was the surprise package of the race as she ran way above her Fairyhouse debut where she jumped poorly in the straight, before finishing on the heels off her more experienced counterparts.

Having stopped the clock here at 53.1secs, she would not have to improve much further to join in the party again on the final Saturday of the season.

Although adrift of the front three, Ascending (133) also finished off his race well, covering the same ground in 54.8secs, to reduce the distance he was beaten by the Closutton first and second in the Spring Juvenile at Leopardstown.

County Hurdle

Later on the card, jockey Bridget Andrews landed her second County Hurdle for Dan Skelton as she first guided and then galvanised Favoir (147) to outstay Pied Piper (147) in a driving finish.

The margins are always fine in Festival handicaps, and this was no different as, when heading to the rail to launch a challenge, Andrews’ last second decision to switch inside Ballyadam (143) proved crucial in securing her mount a clear passage.

Once in the clear, battle was joined with Davy Russell as both jockeys threw everything, within the rules, at their respective mounts. The winner’s closing split of 54.4secs supported the narrow victory as Gordon Elliott’s five-year-old covered the same ground in 54.5secs.

Sharjah (145) was momentarily held up behind Ballyadam before finishing off into fourth place, stopping the clock at 54.9secs for his closing effort, while the closers from the rear to note were Petit Tonnerre (141) and Luttrell Lad (141) who finished off in 55.6secs and 55.4secs respectively.

Albert Bartlett

The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle saw the most dramatic finish of the day as Corbett’s Cross ran out through the wing of the final hurdle when looking to challenge winner Stay Away Fay (146+).

Supporters of Emmet Mullins’ gelding would have still been hopeful at the time although, to my eye, the winner would have proved too strong in the climb to the line as he only appeared to be doing enough to hold the challenge of the eventual second Affordable Fury (145).