Outlander and Paul Townend © Photo Healy Racing
Outlander ran out a stylish winner of the Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle to give Willie Mullins a big-race treble at Leopardstown this afternoon.
The Stowaway gelding was one of three in the Grade 2 for the champion trainer and also one of a trio for his owners Gigginstown.
He travelled sweetly into contention after the second last in the two-and-a-half mile contest and gained a narrow advantage before the final flight.
The 5/1 shot kept on well in the closing stages to record three-and-a-quarter length success over Martello Tower
In doing so he was gaining revenge on the runner-up, who had turned him over when he was a short price at Limerick over Christmas. Killultagh Vic stayed on to take third while 11/8 favourite No More Heroes faded into fifth in the closing stages having held every chance turning for home.
"He was beaten by a better horse at Limerick. We rode him differently today as he was a bit keen at Christmas, and we said we'd settle him in," said Mullins.
"He's back on track to being the horse we thought he'd be as a triple bumper winner. I told Paul to ride him like a good horse.
"The Neptune would be my immediate thought. He seems to have plenty of toe, and in the Supreme Novice you need to stay. We'll see over the next few weeks."
Outlander for Neptune: 12/1 (from 25) with Paddy Power and BoyleSports.
Albert Bartlett: No More Heroes 8/1 (from 5), Outlander 8/1 (from 25) both with Betfair.
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
