Cooldine takes Grade 1 at Leopardstown

Willie Mullins received some compensation when Cooldine won The Dr P J Moriarty Novice Chase (Grade 1) under champion jockey Ruby Walsh.

Mullins said afterwards, "The experience he gained in The Durkan Chase was a big help and stood him in good stead. Ruby [Walsh] said he idled in front and he stayed every inch of the trip. The obvious choice is The Royal Sun Alliance Novice Chase it has been a lucky race for me. Ideally we would have preferred a 5 week break rather than the 4 week break but he hasn't had a hard season and he appeared to have plenty left in the tank. He thrived on his racing last season."

Mullins also added, "He got a little bit a fright when Chiraaz made a mistake at the first and it took him 3 fences to find his rhythm."