Ha D'or © Photo Healy Racing
Willie Mullins and Paul Townend doubled up when 2/1 favourite Ha D'or made an impressive chasing debut in the rated novice chase which had been transferred from Navan's cancelled card on Sunday.
Useful over hurdles and runner-up to first-race winner El Fabiolo in that sphere at the Punchestown festival, the French-bred five-year-old was notably slick over his fences and made all the running.
In a race where only two counted, The Goffer tried to keep tabs on the winner from flagfall but was left behind from two out as Ha D'or, who just lost concentration and ran around on the approach to the last, kept on well to account for that rival by eleven lengths.
“He was like a handicapper the whole way around, you wouldn't think it was his first time,” said Townend.
“He had a look at the outside of the wing at the last but I was coming close enough to it I suppose. Once I straightened him up he was very good at sorting himself out again.
“He feels a more relaxed horse this year and he's after growing up a lot which will be a big help to him.
“You can actually ride him now rather than him dictating things.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
