Backmersackme books Cheltenham ticket after big handicap win

Another Mullins got his name on the scoresheet at Leopardstown this afternoon as the Emmet Mullins-trained Backmersackme took the €150,000 O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey Leopardstown Handicap Chase in the hands of UK champion jockey Sean Bowen.

The 14/1 chance made headway to lead early on the run-in and kept on well under Bowen to beat the JP McManus-owned pair Win Some Lose Some and Waterford Whispers by a length and a neck. Dee Capo completed the placings in fourth.

Mullins said, “That was great. Sean said he was a bit flat to the boards early doors and he let him find his rhythm jumping and he was able to sneak into it at the third last. It was pretty clear sailing from there. He’s improved.

“I was saying to Sean beforehand that there was a handicap hurdle in Navan last year, the Proudstown, and the winner was Mark Fahey’s horse (Flicker Of Hope) who is going for the Irish National.

“We were second and Oscar’s Brother was third, so we were the only horse that hadn’t gone and done something over fences yet. That was strong form and it’s all come together now.

“I suppose over the trip the slower ground helped, definitely. I think ground-wise he’s fairly versatile. He had a tongue-tie on today as well so that probably helped with the slower ground.

“The plan was the National Hunt Chase over 3m5f at Cheltenham. He was 125 today and that’s 145 so that should be still on the cards. He’ll have a bit more weight now but we’ve a great pot behind us so we can’t complain.”

Bowen said, “I was flat out for the majority of the race. I thought 2m5f would be too short for him, but I suppose on that ground he outstayed them.

“I started wide and it wasn’t happening for me, so I came in and things happened a bit easier once I got that bit of room. He’s a strong stayer and I think he just outstayed them.

“I think the main aim was the National Hunt Chase which is a mile further.”

Paddy Power have introduced the winner at 8/1 NRNB for the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Quotes by Gary Carson