Callaghan shines again on Bacardys

Former high-class hurdler Bacardys (5/6 fav) finally recorded a win over fences at the age of eleven in the Bulmers Light Beginners' Chase giving his young rider Kieran Callaghan a third chase winner for trainer Willie Mullins in the last ten days.

A dual Grade 1 winner five years ago and conqueror of Apples Jade in the 2019 Lismullen Hurdle, the Coastal Path gelding was nicely clear of a well strung-out field on the downhill run to the straight. Walking On Clouds tried to make a race of it from two out but was soon making no impression as the winner stayed on well to beat that rival by eight and a half lengths with Scarpeta a distant third.

Callaghan said: "I wanted to be forward on him and the Gigginstown horse (Bold Assassin) led for a while. I wanted to keep the strong gallop so once he slowed, I picked it up and he jumped very well.

"I had plenty left when Walking On Glass came to me but he wasn't doing much in front and I had plenty left. Once I gave him a squeeze between the last two fences he picked up well.

Quotes from Tom Weekes