Outlander completes G1 treble for Mullins

Willie Mullins completed a Grade 1 treble (coming in at just over 471/1) as Outlander justified favouritism in the Flogas Novice Chase.

Available at 3/1 last night, the son of Stowaway was well-supported, opening on-course at 2/1 before going off the 13/8 favourite in the colours of Gigginstown House Stud.

Settled in second by Bryan Cooper he improved to dispute the lead with the front-running Pont Alexandre from the third last.

He travelled best and hit the front on the approach to the final fence, keeping on well under pressure from there, going on to score by two and three parts of a length. Monksland kept on well to take second under Sean Flanagan for Noel Meade at 6/1.

Pont Alexandre (9/4) looked held when he made a mistake at the last, and he had to settle for third, a further two lengths back under Ruby Walsh for Willie Mullins. Zabana who was installed the 11/4 joint-favourite with Paddy Power last night, drifted out to 4/1 on-course and he finished a well-beaten fourth.

Willie Mullins said in the aftermath: "It was a good battle between himself and Pont, and Pont just then seemed to fold.

"Outlander just galloped and jumped and that’s what he does. I’m looking forward now to next month with him.

"He's coming on all the time. He stays and jumps which is what you want in a good horse. He could go either way (JLT or RSA), and whatever way the owners want to go I'll be happy.

"I'd imagine they will want to keep them separate (in reference to No More Heroes).

"He idles a bit in front as he showed today but I never mind that as it shows they have more to give.

"Pont Alexandre was jumping a bit to the right so I will see if there is something amiss with him, he was a little disappointing and he probably wants a longer trip at this stage of his life.

"I thought McKinley was going to get into at the fourth last but he just got tired. He will probably go back to handicaps and may want better ground."

Paddy Power now go 10/1 about Outlander (from 25's) for both the RSA and JLT at the Cheltenham Festival.

BoyleSports also go 10/1 (from 16/1) about Outlander for both the RSA and JLT.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee