Saldier (right) leads Klassical Dream and Petit Mouchoir© Photo Healy Racing
Saldier returned in some style when upsetting stable-mate Klassical Dream in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown this afternoon.
Last year's Supreme Novice winner Klassical Dream was sent to post a 2/5 shot in the Grade 1 contest and everything appeared to be going to plan as he hit the front going to the last hurdle.
He couldn't kick on for Paul Townend, however, and Saldier lept into the lead over the last in the two-mile contest.
7/1 shot Saldier galloped on strongly to record a length-and-a-half success, under Danny Mullins, as long-time leader Petit Mouchoir rallied to finish second.
Klassical Dream faded on the run to the line to finish a length back in third.
It was a triumphant return for Saldier who hasn't been seen since suffering a serious facial injury in a fall at Naas just over a year ago.
He looked to have to measure of subsequent Champion Hurdler Espoir D'allen that day when exiting at the last.
Willie Mullins said:- “We’ve always liked Saldier but it was just whether he would come back from his injury. His nose was in bits but we decided not to have it operated on and let nature take its course. We had the same trouble with Briar Hill but operating on him didn’t work.
“His run in the Fishery Lane (upsides Espoir D'allen when falling at the last) showed us he could be Grade 1 material.
“He quickened up well at the last and won like a nice horse. Hopefully they will all improve.
“Klassical Dream threw himself at the first hurdle and then he was just too keen. I think he’ll improve from that, and a stronger gallop will help them all too.
“Patrick was never happy on Sharjah I’d imagine he wanted the run badly and he’d want better ground.
“It has been a lucky race for us but not always with the first string but they are all there doing their best and that’s what happens.”
Danny Mullins added:- “That's fantastic, to ride the Grade 1s is what it's all about. I'm lucky enough I've ridden a good few of them before and these are the days being a jockey is all about. Thankfully it came off.
“I'd sat on him a few times at home and I suppose I did quietly fancy him. His season finished before it started last year and he arguably might have had the best line of form coming into the race.
“Willie's patience with him after he broke his nose has paid off today. Some people might panic and run him to see but Willie was fairly adamant that he wasn't where he needed him to be through the season last year and that's why he's a master.
“We went an even gallop, we maybe didn't fly down the straight the first time but it's the first run of the season for a lot of these.
“Once we turned away from the stands we went a good gallop. I got under one hurdle down the back but he jumped like a true two-miler after that, was very slick and did it nicely.
“There were some of the strongest Irish horses there and it will all be about how they develop through the season but you couldn't be but pleased with him there.”
Betfair were quick to make Saldier 4/1 joint favourite (from 14/1) for the Champion Hurdle while they eased Klassical Dream to 5/1 from 3/1.
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
