Tank best in Royal Bond

The decision to supplement The Tullow Tank into the Grade 1 Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse was vindicated as Danny Mullins registered his second success at the top level on the exciting Oscar five-year-old.

Owned by Barry Connell and trained by Philip Fenton, The Tullow Tank got to the front-running Renneti in the closing stages as Willie Mullins runners also filled the third and fourth spots – Arctic Fire (stormed home in third after not getting the run of the race) and Alonso (the Ruby Walsh ridden favourite who had every chance in 4th).

Fenton remarked: "He looks to be a good horse and he proved it today. He ground it out well.

"He had a battle on his hands from the second last but he saw it out well and gave every ounce.

"Danny was good on him and I think he even won without giving him a smack.

"He gets a bit buzzy in the ring but he settles down in the race.

"He jumped some of the hurdles pretty big but it's all a learning experience for him.

"We'll take it one step at a time with him. Going right handed is a big plus as he tends to go a little bit right.

"He'll probably still go back left handed to Leopardstown in mid-January.

"I don't know about Cheltenham yet – first of all it's left handed and the ground will also have a big bearing.

"The fact that Leopardstown is left handed will give us a fair idea. Danny said he'd prefer a little slower ground – it's perfect ground out there today.

"You couldn't help but be impressed with him at Naas. He was little bit heavy then so we knew there was plenty of improvement to come."

Mullins said: "It's great to be getting the Grade 1 winners – they are what count. It's a privilege for me to be riding for Barry Connell.

"Philip has done a fantastic job with this horse. He minded him last year as he was a little bit weak but he's come good today and hopefully he'll go on to better during the year.

"He's a real tank and he tried his hardest.

"I'd say that was definitely one of the best races of the season for the novices so I'm glad to be getting on the best one in it.

"I think he'll be a better horse over a fence but he's a Grade 1 winner now over hurdles so we won't worry about chasing until we have to go to it.

"There is only pressure in this job if you think about it. Barry is very good, he never puts me under pressure and we just want winners – we'll try and keep them rolling." (GC & EM)