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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Saldier makes it a Grade One double for Mullins

Sat 28th Apr 2018, 17:37

Saldier and Robbie Power lead them home in PunchestownSaldier and Robbie Power lead them home in Punchestown
© Photo Healy Racing

Saldier brought up a Grade One double for Willie Mullins at Punchestown and put the seal on a terrific week for the Closutton trainer. Mr Adjudicator (10/3) looked to be the Mullins first string in this AES Champion Four-Year-Old Hurdle but try as he might after the last, he couldn't chase down Saldier who stuck to his task well at 10/1, backed in from 16s.

The winning margin was three lengths while Saglawy made it a one-two-three for Mullins in third at 8/1. Stormy Ireland was backed down to 15/8 favouritism but unseated David Mullins at the last when out of contention.

Willie Mullins said: "He's a very good horse. His jumping let him down the last two runs but Robbie (Power) sorted that out today. He brushed up on his jumping and Robbie said he jumped fantastically today.

"I think all these could go to France, we haven't been hard on out four-year-olds this year. They have had a really easy time of it and it has paid off.

"He will stay hurdling next year.

"Punchestown is a lucky place for me!"

Jockey Robbie Power said: “The lads thought a lot of him and it’s just his jumping has been the problem. Today he jumped much better probably because of the better ground. He’s got a good turn of foot as well.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.