Garde completes treble for Mullins and Walsh

Allee Garde proved too strong for Sonamix in the closing stages as he completed a treble at Clonmel for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh.

The Kilsheelan Beginners Chase developed into a duel between the leading two in the market and it was the even-money favourite who landed the spoils.

Walsh let his mount jump into the lead at the fourth fence and held the advantage from there.

Sonamix looked a big threat entering the straight as he cruised into contention, under Paul Carberry, but couldn't peg back the leader when push came to shove.

Allee Garde galloped on strongly from the final fence to record a two-length victory on his chase debut.

The winner had shown some smart form over hurdles, notably when beating On The Way Out and Catch Me in a three-mile conditions hurdle at Gowran.

"He looks a natural chaser and he'll get three miles," said Mullins afterwards.

"We'll aim him at the top staying novice chases now. His pedigree suggested he would love that ground but I'd say he'll handle good ground in the spring as well."