Ground not to Bachasson's liking Demanding ground conditions have been blamed for Bachasson's disappointing effort in the Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown. The French recruit won his first four starts over hurdles for Willie Mullins between July and October and was only narrowly denied Grade One glory by stable companion Long Dog in November's Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse. The pair did battle once more last Sunday, but while Long Dog toughed out another top-level success from the front, Bachasson weakened quickly in the straight to finish a well-beaten eighth. It proved to be a disappointing afternoon for owner Edward O'Connell, with his Arkle hero and star performer Un De Sceaux coming to grief three fences from the finish. The owner's son, Colm, said: "Bachasson just didn't travel at all in the ground, that's twice he's done it now and I think we can say he doesn't like it. "I think he'll stay, but only on nice ground. The ground that day was just bottomless. "Turning in I thought he was going to be fine and at least be placed but when Patrick (Mullins) asked him there was just nothing there. "He's only just turned five and the others were just that bit stronger. "With what happened to Un De Sceaux, too, it was a hard day at the office. It's some sport."
