Hercule not for passing as Mullins makes it six on the day

Hercule Du Seuil proved very tough as he rallied to grab Grade 2 success in the Cafe En Seine Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse, giving Willie Mullins a treble on the card to add to three winners down in Cork.

The Saddler Maker gelding was a touch free under Mark Walsh early on as he made the running in the two-miler.

He was joined on either side by stablemate Hunters Yarn and Amir Kabir at the second last.

There was nothing to split the trio over the final flight but 7/1 shot Hercule Du Seuil found more from the back of the last to record a length-and-three-quarters victory over 6/5 favourite Hunters Yarn.

The winner was last seen pulling up in Grade 1 company in the Royal Bond here in December having won his previous two, including a Grade 3 contest at Navan.

Assistant David Casey said:- “It was a good performance. I thought he'd gone fast enough and it looked like they might swallow him up turning in but Mark said he got a good breather into him between the fourth and third last and he toughed it out well.

“He wants nicer ground and we gave him a break over the winter. He's not in any of the graded races at Punchestown and the plan is to go chasing.

“I'd say the first week in May, as long as the ground isn't rock hard, he'll be in a beginners chase somewhere.

“He did it well today and will go chasing now.”

It was a double on the card for Mark Walsh, following his opening race success on Golf Marin