Saint brings up a Mullins double as John falls on return

Irish Grand National winner Burrows Saint brought up a double for Willie Mullins in the Bet With Tote At Punchestown Hurdle as 2017 triple Gold Cup hero Sizing John fell on his return from a 733 day break.

It was apparent from some way out that Rachael Blackmore (a 1st win in the Ricci silks) was going to be difficult to reel in as she built up a sizeable advantage from the front on the 13/2 victor.

She’d let the attractive Saint Des Saints gelding slide along down the hill on the far side and it was always going to be difficult for her rivals from there home.

On his first start in a hurdle for over 1,700 days, Sizing John was running a perfectly respectable race when jumping the third last flight fine but he crumpled over on landing.

The extended two mile three furlong event saw Willie Mullins saddle the first four with Burrows Saint (not fluent at the last) leading home stable companions Saglaway (9/4 into 13/8 favourite), Sayo and Stratum

The winning distance was three and a quarter lengths, adding to the gains earlier for Closutton through Salsaretta under Paul Townend.

Susannah and Rich Ricci own both Salsaretta and Burrows Saint.

Paddy Power go 14/1 from 20/1 about Burrows Saint for the Grand National.

“It was an enterprising ride and Rachael did what I asked her to do. She jumped out and galloped and the horse did it well. She said even when he was getting tired that when he saw a hurdle he wanted to gallop down to it. He loves jumping," said Mullins.

“That was a nice surprise as he wasn’t well treated by the conditions.

“Sayo jumped poorly early on. We are probably going to abandon his chasing career as he doesn’t like jumping and it took him a couple of hurdles to come right.

“Paul felt Saglawy wasn’t going for him and didn’t enjoy it. Stratum stayed on and there will be more opportunities for him.”

Meanwhile Barry Geraghty said on Sizing John: “He felt great. He flew the third last but a stride after it he stumbled and didn’t get his landing gear out.”

Mrs Harrington said later: “Barry was delighted with him. He said he’d just come alive, he jumped the hurdle perfect and gravity took over.

“He’d done everything right until then and hadn’t taken a blow. He said halfway through the race he went a bit cold on him and then he relaxed into it. As soon as Stratum come up on his outside he wanted to go.

“He’s going to be sore as that was a heavy fall. Hopefully he’s alright in the morning and we’ll see how he is before making any decisions.

“The Kinloch Brae and the Galmoy Hurdle are two options for him but we’ll see how he is first.”

(AM & EM)