Bleu Berry (nearest) jumps the last alongside Outspoken© Photo Healy Racing
Bleu Berry just got the better of Outspoken in the opener at Naas, the Listed Irish Racing Writers Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle.
Last on his first start at Newbury in February of 2016, the Willie Mullins trained six-year-old then fell on his debut over flights at Clonmel.
After nearly a year off the track he return to action at Fairyhouse last month, running out a good six length winner of his maiden hurdle.
Pitched into Listed company today, he was sent off the 5/2 joint-favourite with Paul Townend in the saddle.
Settled in mid-division, he improved into third before two out and travelled best on the outer on the run to the last.
A slow jump there almost scuppered his chances, however he stayed on best under pressure in the closing stages, getting up to score by a short head.
Outspoken was the one he wore down, that one having to settle for second under Jody McGarvey for Joseph O'Brien at 3/1. Minella Till Dawn was the other 5/2 joint favourite and he was another eight lengths back in third, with Mark Walsh in the saddle for Gordon Elliott.
Paul Townend said of the Luke McMahon owned victor: "We always thought a lot of him, on what he showed at home, but he disappointed last year.
"This year he seems to be a different horse. There is still a bit of improvement maybe with the way he jumps throughout the race.
"Again at the last I thought he was after throwing it away but he's a smart horse and he put down his head and battled today.
"It's a long way up here in Naas and he ground it out in the end.
"He travels great. Even last year when I rode him in Newbury he travelled into the straight like a proper horse and didn't get home. This year he seems to be getting home.
"If he can smarten up his jumping there is improvement again in him.
"He fell his first run but was impressive the last day and jumped great but they were probably going a stride slower.
"He's a novice hurdler and they can make mistakes but if he can iron it out he's a smart horse."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Indian Monsoon trained by C.Byrnes, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be clinically abnormal. Samples were taken for analysis.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
