Draconien springs 25/1 shock as Getabird well beaten

Draconien swept through on the run-in to spring a 25/1 shock in the Herald Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown. Getabird was sent to post the 11/10 favourite for the Grade 1 two-mile contest but was harried for the lead throughout and weakened tamely turning for home, finishing seventh.

The favourite was later reported to have been struck into on his right hind leg Vision Des Flos led them into the straight but was tackled by Draconien over the last.

The outsider of the four Willie Mullins contenders stayed on best on the run-in to post a two-and-a-quarter length success under Noel Fehily.

The winner had finished 12-lengths second to Getabird at Fairyhouse last time and Mullins credited a change of tactics for the success.

The first Grade 1 of the week goes to Willie Mullins - Draconien lands the Herald Champion Novice Hurdle! @punchestownrace pic.twitter.com/y1dHPWg0pD

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 24, 2018

“It looked like there was too much pace up the front for Getabird and everyone took him on. They've all paid the penalty and Draconien came through,” said Mullins.

“Noel got off him in Fairyhouse and said he wanted to ride him differently and on better ground and that's exactly what happened today.

“There was so much pace today, there was no pace in Fairyhouse, and that played into his hands and he jumped fantastic as well.

“He's a good horse, we thought he was in the beginning and then he lost his way a bit. He's back to himself again.

“He'll probably go to grass now or we might actually bring him back to Paris for something like the Prix La Barka.

“We'll see as he's not a horse that's going to take a lot of racing but he has very little racing this year. He could do that or go out for the summer.”

Fehily said:- “He ran a nice race the last day on bad ground. Better ground and a better gallop today suited him.

“Willie just said to get him settled as he can be a bit keen.”