On His Own (Paul Townend) jumps right at the final fence© Photo Healy Racing
Willie Mullins equalled the legendary Tom Dreaper's record of five wins in the Goffs Thyestes Chase as On His Own repeated his victory of 2012 in the €100,000 event.
The Presenting gelding had just 10st2lb two years ago when successful under David Casey but had a much stiffer task this time under the steadier of 11st6lb.
Paul Townend made all on the ten-year-old but had to withstand a few anxious moments in the straight.
The 12/1 chance wandered about and jumped right at the final two fences but still had plenty in the tank to beat well-backed 5/1 favourite Los Amigos by six lengths.
First reserve Oscars Business (12/1) was a further length and three quarters back in third, with Mullins’ Balnaslow (8/1) in fourth.
Mullins said “It’s some honour to equal Tom Dreaper and win this race five times. I thought Vesper Bell #8217;s form was winning form and I felt he was travelling like a winner at Warwick the last day. I’d have advised Ruby to ride him over On His Own.
“It’s his one big race before the Aintree National. He’s fallen there twice but it shouldn’t have any bearing in him going there again. He can’t win it unless he’s in it. The Grand National has been his goal for the last two seasons.
“I told Paul that I want to hear Dessie Scahill calling him in front from the first fence. Those were his only instructions and that’s what he did.
“Balnaslow ran well and I’ll find a nice race for him in the spring.”
Boylesports go a top-priced 33/1 for the Crabbie’s Grand National, with Ladbrokes offering 25/1 and Paddy Power just 20/1 (from 33’s).
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
