Back In Focus jumps a fence in the early stages© Photo Healy Racing
The Willie Mullins trained Back In Focus made all as he put in an ultra-impressive display to win the Kevin McManus Beginners Chase on his first start over fences.
Ridden by Ruby Walsh he was sent off the 4/5 favourite and he jumped well throughout before going clear from the third last and going on to win by thirty-three lengths at the line. White Star Line finished best of the rest back in second at 9/4 under Bryan Cooper for Dessie Hughes while Its All Hush Hush was a further two lengths back in third at 25/1 under Ger Fox for John Carr.
Back In Focus won his point-to-point in impressive fashion on his third start at Kilfeacle in January of 2011. He then won a Grade 2 Hurdle at Haydock on his first start in the UK for trainer Howard Johnson.
After disappointing in the Grade 1 Sefton Novice Hurdle at Aintree in April 2011 he didn’t appear on the racecourse again until July of this year when finishing second behind Aughnacurraveel on his first start for Willie Mullins in a hurdle at Tipperary.
Mullins said after today's success: "He came here with a big reputation and a lot of people rang me after he won his point-to-point telling me to buy him but I thought it would be a bit risky buying a 6yo point-to-pointer.
"He eventually came to me after being in the UK and he looks a useful acquisition.
"I met the Costello’s (trained him point-to-pointing) yesterday and they said he would love this ground. Being a Bob Back you wouldn’t think that would be the case.
"He has a huge long stride and I said to Ruby don’t be afraid to go on if there isn’t much of a pace because he keeps on galloping.
"He took one big breath going out for the last circuit but he just gallops all day and he is one with a future I hope.
"He is such a big horse I told the owners to keep him in training over the summer to stop him from getting heavy. He will need two and a half miles plus."
Paddy Powers introduced Back In Focus at 20/1 in the betting for the RSA Chase at next year's Cheltenham Festival.
(On-course reporting by Alan Magee)
