Ferbet another for Mullins & Walsh Val De Ferbet put in a fine round of jumping on his chasing debut to take the three-mile beginners' event in decisive fashion at Fairyhouse. The five-year-old, previously successful over hurdles in France, failed to score in two outings last spring for present connections but put that right here to complete a quick double for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh following the earlier victory of Un De Sceaux. Walsh's mount was up with the pace throughout, and took control after closest pursuer Thunder And Roses stumbled badly on landing two out giving Brian O'Connell no chance of keeping the partnership intact. The 3/1 chance was pushed out on the run-in to maintain his advantage over well-backed 2/1 favourite Noble Emperor, with three and a quarter lengths separating the pair at the line. Busty Brown was a further three and three quarter lengths back in third. Mullins said, "It was a very good performance. He jumped like a handicapper and was gaining lengths at his fences. "Obviously he'll have to go up in grade now. I was thinking he was more of a three-mile horse but after today's performance I think he could come back in trip if a nice race presents itself. "We'll just try and find the right race for him over two-and-a-half or three miles." (GC & AM)
