Mourad floors Mikael in Boyne Hurdle

Willie Mullins recorded his first win in the featured Grade 2 Ladbrokes Boyne Hurdle at Navan today, but the Champion Trainer’s 4/11 favourite Mikael D’Haguenet had to settle for second place behind his other runner Mourad

Mikael D’Haguenet, who had appeared back on track this season, moved into a challenging position entering the straight but had no answers once Mourad, and Paul Townend, quickened at the second last flight. Mourad eventually comprehensively stretched clear for an easy win, in the process effectively bursting Mikael D’Haguenet’s Cheltenham prospects.

Afterwards Mullins said “I’m disappointed with Mikael D’Haguenet - you’d have to say that. I’ll have to think of plans now for him. On ratings there wasn’t much between the two of them but the other fellow (Mourad) just found his form this year for the first time.

“We decided to change tactics today with Mourad and decided to make a lot more use with him and he seemed to enjoy it a lot better and didn’t do his travelling plans (to Cheltenham) any harm! He had been disappointing this year and I didn’t think he was back to his form.”

Ladbrokes subsequently cut Mourad to 14/1 from 20s for the World Hurdle.