Final Demand impresses in Dublin Racing Festival opener

Final Demand was roared home by favourite backers in the opening race of the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown - the Grade 1 Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle over and extended 2m6f.

The six-year-old Walk In The Park gelding raced in touch behind Wingmen and Mozzies Sister who led the way.

Wingmen survived a blunder heading out on the final circuit and was still travelling strongly two out where Jasmin De Vaux closed on the outer of Mozzies Sister.

Final Demand, the 11/8 favourite, raced in touch and jumped that in fourth with the leaders well in his sights.

Jasmin De Vaux gave best approaching the home bend where Final Demand knifed through in a closing third for Paul Townend.

Mozzies Sister cracked as Final Demand loomed large and took over from Wingmen before the last.

Once he touched down on the run-in, Final Demand stretched away in good style to put 12 lengths on Wingmen who was backed from 25/1 in the morning down to 8/1. Mozzies Sister held on for third place, and valuable black-type, at 12/1.

Willie Mullins said: “It was a huge performance, absolutely huge.

“Paul was in a lovely position the whole way and the horse did everything fairly right. Turning for home, when he started to niggle, I wondered what was going to be in the tank.

“Little did I think that he was going to have that much in the tank and he was probably going better at the winning post than he was at any part of the race.

“There was a good few disappointments there, including plenty of mine. For him to be able to do that on his second run over hurdles was a huge achievement.”

When asked when he realised he was well above average he added: “Probably jumping the last hurdle today! He was a good horse up to that and what he did from the last home sets him way apart from a lot of other horses.

“He is a specimen, he was probably one of the dearest stores of his generation and so often they don’t work out, but this fella looks like he’s worked out. To win a Grade 1 here is fantastic.

“I wouldn’t mind going back in trip and I’m wondering should this race actually be a two-and-a-half mile race rather than a two-mile-six race.

“I’m not sure we need a two-six race, but I know we’re very lucky and I shouldn’t be asking for it to be changed. It is what it is.”

Townend added: "Messy with the false start at the start, but I ended up exactly where I wanted to be so I had a bit of fortune there.

"He has done everything very professionally, got in a lovely rhythm. Just a very good horse and I'd say he'd stay well as well.

"A very good horse, I think. I love his attitude and the way he goes through a race and everything. He's professional for a horse with little runs, so hopefully a very bright future in front of him.

"Couldn't be better - a nice simple one to start off with. Hopefully, it can continue now for the next couple of days.

"It is probably soft Leopardstown ground, but that wind is drying it a lot and it is making it dead. It is taking a bit of respect."

Final Demand stepped up on a Limerick maiden hurdle success over Christmas.

Paddy Power made Final Demand 7/4 favourite from 5/1 for the Turners, and 7/4 favourite from 6/1 for the Albert Bartlett.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson