Bachasson back with a bang

Bachasson produced a fine leap at the last to propel himself clear as he ran out a cosy winner of the Suir Blueway Chase on his return to action at Clonmel this afternoon.

The Willie Mullins-trained gelding had been off the track for over two years but the dual Grade 2 winner went to post a 4/7 shot in the conditions event, over just shy of two-and-a-half miles.

Paul Townend tracked the leaders on the grey before coming to dispute with front-runner My Design and Spyglass Hill going to he second last.

Bachasson jumped on over that, asserted going to the last and he flew the final fence to record an easy seven-length success.

Spyglass Hill blundered in second at the last and was pipped close home for the runner-up spot by My Design.

Bachasson, winner of this race in 2020, was making his first start since landing the Red Mills Chase in March 2021. It was a sixth straight win in the race for Mullins.

“Fair play to the lads (owners the O’Connell family) for the patience they have shown, but they always did with all their horses," said Townend.

“He is the horse of a lifetime really. He has given them great days, and today he just really enjoyed getting taken back and there’s plenty of life still in him.

“It’s hard work out there, but he was the class horse of the race, and he just got in a rhythm after the first.”

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)