Bacardys, centre, hits the front in Leopardstown© Photo Healy Racing
Bacardys led home a one-two for Willie Mullins in the two mile maiden hurdle at Leopardstown but it proved to be harder work than expected for the odds-on favourite.
He stalked the leaders in fourth but made a mistake at the second last which saw him rousted along by Ruby Walsh.
The five-year-old gelding responded to the pressure and delivered his challenge between stablemate Kolumbus and Art Of Security at the last.
The 4/6 favourite got his head in front in the final 150 yards and was ridden out to win by a length and three parts.
Kolumbus and Paul Townend took second at 6/1 with Art Of Security a further two and a half lengths away in third.
Willie Mullins said: “It was a good run from the two of them.
“Bacardys twisted a shoe on the way to the track so we were worried if he would get to run at all.
“My lads had his foot in a bucket of ice all morning here at the track and then the blacksmith switched the shoe.
“He seemed okay but we were wondering when he went to jump on it would he feel it. I suppose the adrenaline kicked in and he seemed fine.
“Kolumbus ran a really good race also and the two of them probably prefer that better ground.
“They could both go out in trip.
“We’ll find another novice for Bacardys somewhere. I have no plans yet.”
Bacardys gave Mullins and Walsh a double on the card. It was an across-the-card treble for Mullins with Some Neck prevailing in Limerick's opener today.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
