Un De Sceaux and Paul Townend are clear at the last© Photo Healy Racing
Un De Sceaux completed a 28/1 plus Grade 2 treble on the day at Fairyhouse for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend when landing the Devenish Chase.
The gallant ten-year-old came home 18 lengths clear of A Toi Phil but that didn’t tell half the story as the race was very much in the balance at the second last.
Un De Sceaux had made the running up to that point but was just headed by Doctor Phoenix when that rival fell at the penultimate fence.
This left the 5/6 favourite clear and he just had to pop over the last before cruising home. Ballycasey was another 23 lengths away in third.
Mullins and Townend also teamed up earlier with Getabird and Coquin Mans
Un De Sceaux wins the Grade 2 Devenish Chase! @Fairyhouse @DevenishNutri pic.twitter.com/gKan6tbaMD— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 2, 2018
Un De Sceaux wins the Grade 2 Devenish Chase! @Fairyhouse @DevenishNutri pic.twitter.com/gKan6tbaMD
Mullins said, “Paul said he wasn’t beaten when the other horse fell. He was just letting him coast and waiting for the challenge. He had his ground today and will probably go on to Punchestown now.
“He’s made of iron this fellow. He pulls out every day and the way he races and trains every day at home. He’s as hard as nails.”
Townend said, “You're probably a passenger for 99 percent of the race on him. He's an iron horse and he's a joy to ride.
“I don't know (what would have happened) but I wasn't beat (at the second last). Davy was definitely going to put it up to me but I definitely wasn't beat and we were going to settle down to a good tussle.
“I thought I'd kept a little bit up my sleeve. They took a heavy fall and I hope the two of them are okay. We would have settled down for a good scrap.”
(GC & AM)
