WILLIE MULLINS-TRAINED Min has cruised to victory in the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown.
The 4/5 favourite, ridden by Ruby Walsh, claimed a facile win in the day’s feature race and a hat-trick of winners for the duo on the St Stephen’s Day card.
Main rival Identity Thief pulled up in the middle of the race, allowing Min to power clear of the chasing pack to beat Ordinary World by nine lengths.
Earlier in the day, Bapaume landed the Grade 2 Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle, coming in ahead of Joseph O’Brien-trained Landofhopeandglory.
The 13/8 shot showed good stamina in the closing stages to finish ahead of the JP McManus-owned horse, who recently defeated Bapaume in a Fairyhouse Grade Three race.
In the opening race of the day, Walsh stormed to victory on Bunk Off Early to take the Horse and Jockey Hotel Maiden Hurdle.
There was also plenty of top action across the water in Kempton with Thistlecrack becoming the first novice to win the Grade 1 King George after an outstanding performance saw the Tom Scudamore-ridden horse finish in front of main challenger Cue Card.
Meanwhile, Barry Geraghty’s Yanworth proved too strong in the Christmas Hurdle, with the 5/4 favourite digging deep to surge past The New One
Finally, the 33/1 outsider Royal Vacation secured an unlikely triumph in the 32Red Kauto Star Novices’ Chase after Might Bite’s dramatically fell at the final fence.
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All the top lads dodging each other yet again
@Noel Doherty: Unfortunately we’ve reached an age where entertainment is much more important quality or substance. For everyone who watches the actual fight; there are 20 who just watch the s41t talking on YouTube. They might watch a knockout if it happens. Go on any comments section re boxing now and noone has a notion what they’re talking about. It’s all tough talk.
I have the odd bet on boxing still. You just have to figure out the result that will generate the most money and you usually have your winner.
Mike Tyson V John Fury would be one of the biggest fights of all time. That’s where we’re at.
@Noel Doherty: 4 boxers ranked in the top 10, apart from Fury v Usyk or Joshua v Wilder what more do you expect.