Gaucher a fortunate winner of Horse & Jockey Hotel Hurdle Willie Mullins and Paul Townend completed a big race double as Gaucher proved a rather fortunate winner of the Grade 3 Horse & Jockey Hotel Hurdle at Tipperary. Making most of the running, the 13/8f was pushed along approaching two out, as Brian Hayes travelled up strongly on the David Harry Kelly trained Glen Kiln. The latter moved on between the final two flights, quickly going clear on the run to the last. However, a bad mistake at that obstacle saw the 12/1 chance exit the race. That allowed Gaucher pick up the pieces and claim a five-length verdict over Jesse Evans. Paul Townend said: “We were fortuitous, but he always turns up and puts in a consistent performance. We’ve been on the other end as well, so we’ll take one when we get it. “Brian is up and the horse is ok. Everyone lives to fight another day which is the main thing. “That’s why we love the sport I suppose, it’s so unpredictable. “He’s tough and he keeps turning up. He’s been everywhere and is settling down and starting to grow up a bit.” Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
