IT ETAIT TEMPS completed a dream hour for Danny Mullins when winning the Goffs Irish Arkle at Leopardstown, where Marine Nationale was a huge disappointment back in fifth place.
Having already won the opening two Grade Ones on Dancing City and Kargese, Mullins was riding full of confidence, but faced huge opposition in the shape of Barry Connell’s unbeaten Marine Nationale – not to mention Facile Vega, a stablemate of the Willie Mullins-trained winner.
It was Gordon Elliott’s Found A Fifty who ensured there was to be no hanging about and with Facile Vega on his heels, there was no letting up in the pace.
Sent off the 4-7 favourite, Marine Nationale had been settled in third, but his jumping was not as assured as on his debut and Il Etait Temps moved passed him down the back straight.
As the field turned in Marine Nationale briefly threatened to take a hand, but a bad mistake at the last sealed his fate.
Found A Fifty looked like he had done enough to hold on, but Il Etait Temps gamely dug in to win by a neck at 6-1.
Kargese came out on top of the Willie Mullins battalion in the McCann FitzGerald Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown, with the trainer sending out the first four home.
Six of the 10 runners hailed from Mullins’ Closutton yard, with stable number one Paul Townend plumping for the once-raced Storm Heart.
Another from Team Mullins was JP McManus’ Majborough and he attempted to make all under Mark Walsh, looking a fine long-term prospect in the process, but turning into the straight, the race began to change complexion.
Townend tried to follow Kargese (7-2) through but it soon became apparent that Danny Mullins was holding on to a lot more on the eventual winner.
Just like 12 months ago, when Mullins on Gala Marceau got the better of Townend on Lossiemouth, it was the same sinking feeling for the champion jockey, especially as he had also got the choice wrong in the opener, as he watched Mullins on Dancing City pull away from him in the Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle.
With Townend plumping for Predators Gold from the four Mullins runners, punters took that as a clear hint he was seen as the number one contender, despite stepping up six furlongs in trip from his Christmas outing.
Townend settled the market leader at the rear, as Danny Mullins on Dancing City (16-1) set out to make the running at a sedate tempo, but Rachael Blackmore was having none of it and after half a mile Jetara was allowed to stride on.
Blackmore had a scary moment approaching the second last when she lost her left stirrup but was soon back on an even keel, although the Mullins pair loomed up on the turn for home.
Predators Gold had every chance on the outside but Dancing City kept on finding for pressure and went on to win by a length and a quarter. To Jetara’s credit, she stuck on gamely for third.
How was Porter not nominated. The stand out scrummager and ball carrier.
Because there are only 5 places and they seem to be spreading the nomination across 5 different Countries. He has been excellent too, though.
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Deegan has been brilliant all tournament and scored one of the tries of the competition in the semis. Let’s make sure to get our votes in while they’re all asleep in New Zealand.
I think having the public vote is unfair, it means England will probably win it on the basis of having a bigger population and just a case of blind voting.
You should probably click the link Cathal; it’s a wall of votes for Deegan.
I have clicked it ( Im one of the voters on that wall) great to see! If Malinder wins it it will be a disgrace, for me Deegan is the clear winner and if anyone wins then the IRFU should complain tbh.
Good man Cathal. Hopefully we will have plenty to celebrate come Saturday night.
God yes, i’d actually prefer us win this match than the series in SA (Although I would prefer we win both!)
I know World rugby like to spread the candidates by nation but I feel 1 player isn’t enough, Porter and Ryan had to also been in the running and I’m only naming a few!
He may have shine in a few games but he’s far from our best player.. Was terrible during the 6 nations, in fact was dropped and very average for Lansdowne 20s this season
The 6 nations isn’t relevant in a player of the tournament poll.
It’s an award for player of the tournament , therefore how he played during the 6 nations or for Lansdowne is irrelevant
I don’t get what the 6 Nations has to do with his brilliant performances in the under 20 World Rugby championship?? But maybe you can fill us in.
But he’s not been nominated for his six nations performances…This is for the world championship….where he’s been ireland stand out player.if you say he hasn’t had a great season does that not make his performances all the better?
Marc. That is a very interesting comment. Did he play 20s all season without playing AIL?
Christiaan he played both AIL and 20s , won the 20s cup with Landsdowne, delighted he’s playing well and nominated, just stating the facts on his 6 Nations and club form.. How Porter and Stockdale aren’t nominated beggars belief.. Constantly brilliant
Get on and vote for Deegan
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Vote Deegan
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