MULLINS HONES HIS FESTIVAL RAIDERS

Karl Hedley reviews the leading action in Ireland

- Karl Hedley

The Spring Festivals are rapidly racing towards us, none quicker than the Dublin Festival at Leopardstown this month. Last years’ highlights included memorable Grade One wins for the likes of Chacun Pour Soi who easily scythed down stablemate Min in the Dublin Chase and Honeysuckle getting the better of Darver Star in the Champion Hurdle.

I will examine the possible runners who have made an impact or caught the eye over the last month so that you can weigh up their chances should they take up any engagements.

There was an air of anticipation at Navan when the improving Andy Dufresne lined up for a Grade Three event on what would be only his second start over fences. He had won at this track twice in the past over hurdles and connections returned to the scene to grab the main share of this €35,000 prize.

Despite the race featuring only three runners, he looked to take the race by the scruff of the neck from the outset. Always prominent, he was tackled by the second favourite, Embittered upon touching down after two out and was given a reminder by Mark Walsh on the run-in. The seven-year-old responded to his rider’s urgings and recorded a workmanlike three-and-a-half win from the Gigginstown representative. The pair pulled almost a distance clear from the only other runner Cavalry Master, who clearly found this company too hot. Elliott said that this trip was now a bit on the sharp side for his horse and he would look at races over two-and-a half-miles in future.