Abbyssial (Paul Townend) saw off Adriana Des Mottes (Ruby Walsh) in the Grade 2 opener at Fairyhouse© Photo Healy Racing
"It was a most difficult decision and, in the end, I was swayed by the fact that my horse (Adriana Des Mottes) will be in receipt of the 7Ibs allowance for mares," stated Ruby Walsh in his Irish Examiner column and his choice proved to be the wrong one in the Grade 2 Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle at Fairyhouse as fellow Willie Mullins runner Abbyssial (11/4) prevailed under Paul Townend.
An Irish-bred son of the late great Beneficial, of course Abbyssial actually began his racing life in France but he's now three from three since returned to his native land.
Again the big chestnut made all and he had 8/11 shot Adriana Des Mottes and the rest in big trouble from the second last.
He did swish his tail on the run-in to give odds on backers some hope, but even though Adriana Des Mottes did close Abbyssial down close home, she was never going to get there and half a length separated them at the line.
Mullins reflected afterwards: "It was a very good performance. I wasn't happy with the way he jumped over the first few hurdles but other than that he was impressive.
"When he needed the jumps he got them and he had no problem jumping under pressure.
"He looks to be improving all the time.
"We'll have to talk to the owners now to see whether he travels or we keep him at home.
"I would like a wet Cheltenham for him – he wouldn't want it dry. If it dried up he wouldn't go.
"He's one that'll go back to France for a race there.
"I was saying to the owner (Mrs Violet O'Leary) earlier that he might skip Cheltenham and go to France but that performance puts Cheltenham back in the picture."
Boylesports left Abbyssial at 20/1 for the Triumph Hurdle whilst Ladbrokes clipped him in from 25s into 16s.
The Stewards fined W.P. Mullins, trainer, €130 for lodging a passport in respect of All Pepper (GER), in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order.
(GC & EM)
