Un De Sceaux defies conditions to open campaign in style

Circumstances at Cork on Sunday were hardly conducive to trail-blazing but Un De Sceaux still managed to make light of the gruelling conditions to win in style.

Racing at the Mallow track was abandoned with two races left as ground conditions deteriorated rapidly throughout the afternoon.

The final two races were over flights and the stewards inspected the hurdles track which had had three races run on it earlier.

After consulting with some senior jockeys and a number of trainers, the rest of the meeting was called off in the interests of safety.

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Less than an hour before that call was made however, Un De Sceaux justified 4-6 odds with aplomb in the Grade Two Kerry Group Hilly Chase.

Just 15 minutes beforehand Willie Mullins had been out of luck at Punchestown with Djakadam but Un De Sceaux quickly put the smile back on the champion trainer's face.

David Mullins rode last season's Ryanair Chase winner for the first time but even on the barely raceable ground there was no change of tactics.

Un De Sceaux made all, again daring his opposition to try and pass him, and by the straight his last potential threat, the English raider, Top Gamble, started to send out distress signals.

The 4-6 favourite didn’t miss a beat over the final three fences and provided a hugely popular local success for his owner, Edward O’Connell.

“That’s the first time I’ve ridden something like him and for a horse that goes so hard he is so clever and sharp. You’re just a pure passenger on him and he does everything himself,” David Mullins said.

A rout

“A horse jumped into me at the first but it was straightforward enough after that. He is so sure of himself and it’s a pleasure to ride him. He ploughed through the conditions and jumped really well. I’ve got to look at him in the past but never thought I’d get to ride him,” he added.

Some firms cut Un De Sceaux to 6-1 to successfully defend his Ryanair crown at Cheltenham in March but plans for his next start are not definite.

Willie Mullins also landed the Grade Three Stayers Novice Hurdle with Fabulous Saga who turned the stamina-sapping three mile slog into a rout.

Danny Mullins did the steering on this one and he was a hurdle clear of exhausted opposition at the final flight.

“It’s a big advantage riding for Willie as they’re fit and keep galloping,” the jockey said.

“I spoke to Ruby [Walsh] and he said the last day here he just didn’t quicken but stayed all day and he said not to be afraid to let him at it. I could hear nothing from the home bend. It was a nice position to be in,” Mullins added.

The final contest of the day saw Shattered Love land 2-5 odds in easy fashion in the Grade Three Mares Chase. At the line Jack Kennedy’s mount had ten lengths in hand of la Bella Vida.

"Jack said she had no problem handling the ground and never came out of third gear," said Davy Condon, assistant to trainer, Gordon Elliott. "We think she's a Grade One mare but she might have to take on the geldings to get that win."