Melon and Bryan Cooper pings the last© Photo Healy Racing
Dual Champion Hurdle runner-up Melon defeated 2021 Grand National hero Minella Times to land Cork's featured Baroneracing.com Chase today, as the pair filled first and third places in the five-runner Grade 3.
The Willie Mullins trained Melon, a runner-up at four Chelthenham festivals, maintained a strong gallop throughout the three-miles and won easily, by eight lengths from Doctor Duffy
The Henry De Bromhead trained Minella Times, under Rachael Blackmore, was making a quick reappearance having exited at the ninth fence in this year's Aintree renewal eight days ago, and failed to keep pace in today's race, finishing 25 lengths behind Melon in third.
Mullins won both Grade 1 feature races with Brandy Love and Galopin Des Champs and at Cork, Melon's jockey Bryan Cooper reported “it is great for the horse and great to get a winner in these (Gold Cup-winning) colours.
“He got into a rhythm and really enjoyed it and this track seemed to suit him as there is a lot of jumping. He jumped fantastic and I was able to boss the race.
“He accelerated, I was always confident and it was a great bit of placing by Willie. These races take winning and he has won two races this year off his rating and it is now easy place him.
“I enjoyed it to be honest and it is great to win on him.”
