Mercurey © Photo Healy Racing
As expected, the two-mile maiden hurdle was won by 3/10 favourite Mercurey who was always prominent under Danny Mullins.
The French-bred six-year-old, a bumper winner at Gowran in 2022 and runner-up on his return from a lay-off here last month, was pushed clear after two out and came home 22 lengths in front of Lightkeeper
Paddy Power go 16/1 (from 20s) about the winner for the Albert Bartlet and 20/1 (from 33s) for the Baring Bingham.
It was trainer Willie Mullins' 200th winner of the campaign and, with three months of the season remaining, it must be highly likely that last season's best-ever tally of 237 will be bettered.
Danny Mullins said, “His jumping was very good. He got tight to one down the back, but I wanted to see what he was like on an in-between stride as well. He figured that out well and when you need him, he’s very good.
“He’s filled into himself for a tall horse. It took him a year after that good four-year-old season but he’s getting there now.”
Quotes from Alan Magee
