Minella Cocooner in charge over the last© Photo Healy Racing
Minella Cocooner put in a fine front-running display under Danny Mullins in the Grade One Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown as the Dublin Racing Festival began with a bang.
The 11/1 shot was eager to get on with it in the first-time hood in this extended two mile six contest and was notably swift over his hurdles throughout.
Mullins got a breather into him after the third last as the field stacked up on him. Hollow Games the 9/4 favourite, loomed large on his shoulder two out, however, Minella Cocooner cranked up the pressure sweeping around the home bend. He went on by four lengths approaching the last and was driven out to score. Minella Crooner (10/3) finished his race off well to get up for second, beaten two and three quarter lengths at the line. Hollow Games dropped half a length further back to third.
Mullins said: "It went well. He's very slick at his hurdles for a horse that stays well. All the way down the back he was getting a length or two at each hurdle which allowed me to fill him up.
"Hollow Games moved up coming to the second last but I was happy I would pick up and battle with him. It was a nice surprise to see how easily I got away from him.
"The two jumps away from the stands were great, he got lengths there but I suppose turning across the top is where the worst of the wind is. I just had a peek between my legs because with that wind you are slightly disorientated as to what is going on around you.
"I had a few lengths up my sleeve and I was able to ease off the gas there, and I knew I would have more for the business end.
"It is beautiful ground, credit to Leopardstown. They have done a great job on it. It is perfectly safe jumping ground."
Willie Mullins added: "We decided there mightn't be much pace in the race and to just make it.
“Danny was very good on him in front, he got some tremendous jumps from him and got breathers into him after his hurdles and paced it beautifully.
“It was a great result for all the connections. It's great to win a Grade 1 here and open the festival, hopefully we can keep going like that.
“It's a tremendous win for the Bobbetts and for Danny so I'm very pleased.
“I don't see any need to step him up in trip. It's a great day today and we'll enjoy the day.
“We won't talk about any other festival, we are here at a Grade 1 festival, the Dublin Racing festival, and it's as good a festival as there is around.”
This was the eighth time Willie Mullins had landed this prize.
Paddy Power cut Minella Cocooner from 20/1 to 6/1 for the Albert Bartlett and trimmed Minella Crooner from 10/1 to 8/1 for the same race.
The sponsors pledged a €50,000 stable staff bonus if the winner goes on to win any race at this year's Cheltenham Festival.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
