Killultagh Vic and Paul Townend© Photo Healy Racing
Mrs Rose Boyd is of course part-owner of Hurricane Fly, with George Creighton, and she has much to look forward to with another Willie Mullins horse, Killultagh Vic now a Grade 1 winner, courtesy of his Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle success at Punchestown under Paul Townend. Shaneshill (11/8) was touted as the main Mullins hope, under Ruby Walsh, but his stamina ebbed away from before the last as Cheltenham handicap scorer, Killultagh Vic, took control.
Townend's mount 'missed' the final flight, and Thistlecrack came home well after finding himself short of room on the rail early in the straight.
Killultagh Vic held on by half a length from Thistlecrack with eight and a half lengths back to Shaneshill.
"I thought turning off the bend I might win well but when I missed the last he just landed a bit flat-footed but he pulled out plenty for me again," commented Townend.
"The fire-power down there (Mullins yard) means that he has so many runners in these races. They are second strings because Ruby isn't riding them, but if they were in anyone else's yard they'd be first string."
Mullins said: "Killultagh Vic looks like a chaser but I'll have to have a chat with the owners who may consider keeping him over hurdles for the World Hurdle.
"I don't know if Shaneshill didn't stay or he's just feeling the effects of a couple of runs. We'll have to see if any excuse comes to light to explain why he appeared to stop. Hopefully we can get to the bottom of why that happened.
"It's great to have such depth both with our horses and also with our riders. Paul gave the winner a great ride."
Paddy Power go 12/1 Killultagh Vic for next year's World Hurdle, whilst the same firm make Thistlecrack a 16/1 shot.
Meanwhile for the RSA Chase 2016 Boylesports go 14/1 (from 25/1) about Killultagh Vic.
The Stewards enquired into an incident just after the turn into the straight involving Shaneshill, ridden by R.Walsh, placed third, Sub Lieutenant ridden by J.J. Burke, placed fourth and Thistlecrack (GB), ridden by T.Scudamore, placed second, where it appeared that Thistlecrack suffered interference.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards gave the riders the benefit of the doubt and took no further action.
(AM & EM)
