Back In Focus lands the 4-miler

Back In Focus won a thrilling renewal of the John Oaksey National Hunt Chase for Willie Mullins and son Patrick.

The 9/4 favourite was keen throughout the early stages of the four-mile contest and looked held when Rival D'Estruval and Tofino Bay (8/1) kicked for home with two to jump.

However, the patiently ridden Rival D'Estruval took a crashing fall two out to leave Tofino Bay clear, only for Dessie Hughes' 10-year-old to idle on the run-in, allowing Back In Focus to get up by half a length.

Godsmejudge (7/1) held on for a distant third ahead of Buddy Bolero, who rallied having been under pressure a mile from home.

When asked to put into words the sensation of a Festival winner - his first over fences - Patrick said: "It's like trying to describe colour to a blind person.

"He was a little bit keen. He made one mistake down the back straight and I had to sit and let him get his breath back.

"He's very tough and very brave.

"He was brilliant."

Willie said: "I'm delighted for Patrick to break his duck over fences here.

"He galloped and stayed and I'm over the moon.

"That winner means as much as any I've had here.

"I know how much it means to Patrick and it means that much to me as well.

"It looked like Nina had stolen it, but the horse found huge reserves.

"He has an entry in the Irish National, but that will probably come too soon, so he might go to Punchestown.

"He might be another one to bear in mind for the French Champion Hurdle."

Owner Graham Wylie said: "It's great to be back. To win it is just fantastic.

"We knew he was a nice horse, but we didn't know whether he'd get four miles.

"It's like a National trial so he could be (a future National horse).

"Patrick gave him a great ride."