Ruby Walsh looks around for dangers as he canters home aboard Un De Sceaux © Photo Healy Racing
Un De Sceaux recorded another facile victory as he claimed the conditions hurdle at Navan by a stunning 53 lengths.
The French import maintained his unbeaten record in some style as he made all the running under Ruby Walsh in the two-mile contest. Foildubh gave chase throughout but cried enough on the top bend as the 1/12 hotpot cranked up the pressure.
Willie Mullins' charge sauntered clear in the straight to make it six wins from six starts. He was slightly untidy at the last but there were never any anxious moments for Walsh.
Foildubh dropped away in the closing stages as Akatara came through to take the runner-up spot.
Un De Sceaux has become something of a 'dark horse' for the Champion Hurdle and Cheltenham is the plan with the Red Mills at Gowran on February 15th possibly next on the agenda.
“Foildubh tried to go with him and he just completely choked. He killed him trying to go the pace,” said Mullins afterwards.
“I thought our fella was more settled today than he's ever been. He didn't jump as well as he can but that was probably because he was going that bit slower.
“Even at that pace he still seemed to take the stuffing out of Foildubh and he's not a bad horse. He beat Rubi Ball last time.
“Ruby said maybe the Red Mills in Gowran could be an option. I'll have a look around and see where I can go. The Red Mills, time-wise, is the right one.
“If things went well there he'll probably go for the Champion Hurdle but he would need to improve a stone to get near Hurricane Fly.
“I don't think we really learned anymore about him today.”
Mullins also revealed how owner Edward O'Connell had enjoyed a slice of luck to get his hands on the exciting prospect:-
“He was the fifth horse I bought for him, the other four failed the vet, so it was an extraordinary piece of luck to get this guy for him.
“He asked me to buy him a horse to replace another horse we had.”
Walsh was understandably impressed and he said: “He goes a tremendous gallop. From the last hurdle down the back to the hurdle into the straight he's maintained a serious gallop.
“I couldn't believe, when I looked back at the third last, how far back Paul (Carberry) was.
“He wears his heart on his sleeve and he's a very good horse. He's obviously going the right way and if he was to turn up in the Champion Hurdle I don't think The New One will need a pacemaker!”
Paddy Power left the winner on 14/1 for the Champion Hurdle.
It was a quick double for Mullins and Walsh, who had also claimed the opening maiden hurdle with Aklan
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
