RACING/CORK REPORT:COUNTY HURDLE winner Final Approach had no trouble landing short odds in the McCarthy Insurance Group 60th Hurdle at Cork to kick-start a hat-trick for trainer Willie Mullins.
The six-year-old also claimed the valuable MCR Hurdle last season and was far from disgraced when upped to Grade One class in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle behind Vole La Vedette last time out.
Sent off the 3 to 10 favourite, Final Approach never came out of second gear under Ruby Walsh to beat Little Green by two and three-quarter lengths.
“It will be hard to find another race as easy as this. He will go for a graded race next, probably the Tara Hurdle at Navan,” said Mullins.
Mullins and Walsh doubled up with 4 to 6 shot Simenon in the McCarthy Insurance Group 60th Maiden Hurdle.
Formerly with Andrew Balding on the level, where he finished second in the Sandown Classic Trial, he had finished only fifth on his hurdling debut at Fairyhouse.
He knew much more about the job this time though and barely came off the bridle to beat Party Rock by 23 lengths. “We were disappointed with him the last day but that was a big improvement today, and we’ll keep him to the minimum trip as he has loads of gears,” said Mullins.
“He will go for a novice hurdle next and we will see what he can do. Easter time might be perfect for him on better ground.”
Patrick Mullins then sealed the treble for his father on Perfect Gentleman, beating Finish the Story by five lengths to take the concluding McCarthy Insurance Group INH Flat race.
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