Willie Mullins’ Masterclass: surgical strike in Sussex, Skelton stars, and more
Willie Mullins goes in for the kill
Willie Mullins targeted East Sussex with a single goal in mind – to close the gap on leaders Dan Skelton in the British jumps trainers’ championship. The Irish maestro proved his name is synonymous with success, striking with a one-two in the £30,000 Sussex Champion Hurdle, reducing Skelton’s advantage to 16 wins.
Absurde lights up Plumpton
Mullins’ bold plan worked to perfection as Absurde steamrollered the opposition in the Grade 3 contest, sweeping clear by four and a quarter lengths under a confident ride from Harry Cobden.
- Won the Ebor and County Hurdle this season
- Outclassed the field in authoritative fashion at Plumpton
- Ridden to perfection by Harry Cobden, who has two wins from three rides for Mullins
Skelton strikes back
Dan Skelton couldn’t miss out on the action entirely, as
bounced back to winning ways in the following 2m3½f handicap chase, prevailing in a photo-finish to secure his second victory in four days under Tom Cannon.
Jasmine D’Airy finally lives up to promise
Harry Derham’s
finally broke her maiden tag in emphatic fashion, running out an easy 24-length winner of the opening mares’ maiden hurdle under Ben Sutton. Unexpected rainfall contributed to the large winning margin, but there was no doubt about the daughter of Dansili’s superiority on the day.
My Friend Sean rolls on with fourth win in five starts
Tom Lacey and Cameron Iles’ rangy gelding
bagged his fourth victory in his last five starts, making light work of his rivals in the 2m1½f handicap hurdle. Iles paid tribute to the seven-year-old, who seems to be finding his mojo after a rude awakening last year.
Read more:
- Spindleberry follows in illustrious footsteps by winning Fairyhouse Grade 1 and Punchestown could be next
- Mister Policeman bounces back in style to prove fitting winner of Michael O’Sullivan Chase
- ‘I’m absolutely thrilled to get to such a number’ – delight for Alex Hales after landmark success
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