Mullins yard in top form as outsider wins at Naas

Willie Mullins has his yard in top form ahead of Cheltenham next week and the festival’s 11-time Leading Trainer completed a Naas four-timer today, with 20/1 outsider Gaucher landing the Grade 3 Bar One Racing Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle.

Gaucher had drifted from 6/1 this morning for today’s eight-runner race but, under Brian Hayes, made all the running and skipped clear of his rivals from the second-last to easily beat Goraibhmaithagat by 8.5 lengths.

Mullins landed Gowran’s bumper finale yesterday and bagged today’s opener with Redemption Day so was winning a third successive race, with Hayes reporting “it was a very good performance from Gaucher giving away weight.

“I thought the track might suit him around the inside as he’s a small, tidy and well-balanced horse. It proved right and it’s nice to get it. He has plenty of pace and he rolls nicely into and out of bends. Hopefully he might win a few more.”

Jockey Hayes has three outsider rides for Cheltenham’s Tuesday-opener and rides Mullins’ Winter Fog in the Champion Hurdle.

Trainer Mullins subsequently scored with Jump Allen and Olympic Man to complete his four-timer.

Quotes from Gary Carson