Al Boum Photo brings up Grade One double for Mullins

The Grade One Ryanair Gold Cup Novice Chase at Fairyhouse had eluded Willie Mullins throughout his career but Al Boum Photo won it for him today with a stout staying performance.

The win gave Mullins a Grade One double on the card as Laurina also obliged in the mares' novices' hurdle championship final. Shattered Love the 13/8 favourite, picked up a narrow lead three out and boxed on well for Jack Kennedy.

Al Boum Photo improved into second under David Mullins and chased her coming to the last, though.

The leader fiddled through it and Al Boum Photo (11/2) soon overtook her on the run-in and kept going to the line to record a length victory.

There was a seven-length gap back to Invitation Only in third at 5/1.

Al Boum Photo makes a late surge to win the @Ryanair Gold Cup at @Fairyhouse! pic.twitter.com/Xty440X4DF

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 1, 2018

Willie Mullins said: “He deserved that as he was unlucky at Christmas and David gave him a great ride and kept a little bit up his sleeve. It’s nice to get a good winner for Mrs Donnelly.

“I think he wants a longer trip and that’s why he was staying on at the end. I think the first four will all be three-mile chasers down the line.”

When asked if he would be finished for the season Mullins replied, “No. There will be very few finished for the year around our place. They will be heading to Punchestown and I’d imagine it will be the same with a stable up the road [title rival Gordon Elliott]!

“The mare (Shattered Love) was fantastic in defeat. She was up there battling it out with Up For Review and then with Invitation Only. She then got done by the third one of ours.”

Mullins and Elliott combined for all nine runners in this Grade One - Mullins had five runners and Elliott raced four.

Paddy Power cut Al Boum Photo from 20/1 to 14/1 for the Ryanair Chase.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee