Billaway makes it four for Mullins in hunter finale

Billaway powered away on the run-in to land the Naas Hunters Chase and complete a four-timer on the day for trainer Willie Mullins.

There were five in a line heading down to the last in the three-mile contest and it was 9/2 shot Billaway, under Patrick Mullins, who came away from the fence in front.

The Well Chosen gelding galloped on strongly in the closing stages to record an eight length success over the long-absent Staker Wallace

There was only a head separating the runner-up and the third-placed Coastal Tiep

Billaway had finished second to Dylrow (fifth today) at Down Royal on St Stephen's Day.

Mullins senior said:- “He’s booked his ticket and is still a young horse. He looks a Foxhunters type and that’s what we bought him for.” Edwulf and Casey Jem were sent off 15/8 joint favourites. The later pulled up injured while Edwulf had to settle for fourth after jumping the last upsides. Samurai Cracker was another in contention when falling at the final fence.

A sad postscript to the race was the fatal collapse of Val De Ferbet

(Quotes by Alan Magee)