Gaillard Du Mesnil impresses in Leopardstown opener

There was a Willie Mullins one three in the Grade One Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors '50,000 Cheltenham Bonus For Stable Staff' Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown as 13/8 favourite Gaillard Du Mesnil led home a field of thirteen in impressive style.

Paul Townend ’s mount had to chase down stable companion and pace setter Stattler in the straight, and Gentlemansgame eventually came through for the second, five lengths off the winner. There was a short head to Stattler in third.

Backed in from 2/1 ‘on the show,’ for this assignment, Gaillard Du Mesnil is now 100/30 from 13/2 non runner no bet for the Ballymore Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham with Paddy Power. They go 10/1 from 16s on the same terms about Gentlemansgame for the Albert Bartlett.

"We chanced him with the hood, it's not that he's a runaway or anything. I just didn't want to use up any energy early on in the race," reported Townend afterwards.

“That was a nice start,” said Mullins.

“He was very keen and I thought he was going to pay the penalty but it shows how big an engine he has that he was able to still find more after it looking like Danny had stole the race.

“It was a nice victory in the end and he must be a fair sort to come from that far back in that type of contest.

“Paul had to sit further back than I was hoping he might which left him a lot to do. He made it up nicely.

“The Ballymore would look the race for him at this point. It was a tremendous staying performance in what looked a real quality field.

“Stattler was very good and Danny gave him a well judged ride from the front. That puts him in line for the Albert Bartlett and hopefully Ronnie (Bartlett, owner) can win some of his own money back.”

B. Hayes, rider of Cape Gentleman trained by Emmet Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right.

Mrs John Harrington, trainer of Ashdale Bob reported to the Clerk of Scales that her charge scoped dirty post race.

(GC & EM)