Bacardys chases Bunk Off Early over the last© Photo Healy Racing
Bacardys came with a storming late run to grab the spoils in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown.
Patrick Mullins held the 12/1 shot up towards the rear in the early stages of the 2m2f contest.
He still had plenty to do turning for home in the Grade 1 but really got motoring on the run-in.
The six-year-old chased down stable-mate Bunk Off Early on the run-in to follow up his maiden hurdle success at the course over Christmas and record a three-parts victory.
Trainer Willie Mullins, who saddled six in the race, said afterwards:- “I’d imagine the way he stayed and jumped there we’ll be looking for a trip.
“I’m delighted to get a Grade 1 with him for Shanakiel Racing and of course for Patrick as well.
“I didn’t think there was much pace but obviously there was huge pace as Patrick came from last.
“He’s improving all the time. I needed to run him there to get experience into him as he had a hold up after Christmas.
“I’m actually surprised that he stayed on the way he did. He obviously doesn’t take a lot of training.
“His jumping was much better. Patrick said he jumped a little bit left but it was a big step up in class for him.
“He’s had point-to-point experience so he’ll be fine and that race will bring him on hugely as well.
“I’d imagine Albert Bartlett would be the one for him but I have two or three others for the race so we’ll see.”
Patrick Mullins added:- "I knew him well as I won a bumper on him here last season and at Aintree. I thought the 2m2f and a strong gallop would suit him. He jumped left a bit throughout which didn't help.
"Stepping up in trip will help him. He could easily go up to 2m4f and three miles may end up his best trip.
"That completes a full set of Grade 1's for me in bumpers, over hurdles and fences. It makes up a bit for Cousin Vinny who I came off at the last in this race (eight years ago)."
The winning handler said of the runner-up Bunk Off Early:-
“I’m delighted with him. He jumped well and he’ll improve hugely for jumping at that speed as that was only his second run over hurdles.
“We think of him more as a two-mile horse rather than two-and-a-half or three. The way he travels we’ll be going for the shorter options.”
5/4 favourite Saturnas trailed in last and Mullins said of him:-
“He was never going. We’ll go and investigate that and see what’s up.
“I thought he’d like this heavy ground but maybe the ground didn’t suit him.”
Ruby Walsh reported that Saturnas made a noise in running. Vet reported post race normal.
