Mullins and Townend double up as Chacun blows opposition away

The Ladbrokes Dublin Chase saw Willie Mullins and Paul Townend complete an opening races Grade One double with the brilliant Chacun Pour Soi (2/5 favourite) at Leopardstown.

Paddy Power are now 4/6 favourite from evens about Chacun Pour Soi for the Queen Mother Champion Chase (non runner no bet) after he here added to the earlier gains of stable companion Gaillard Du Mesnil

A bad mistake five out by Min ended that fellow’s hopes, and he was eventually pulled up before the next, but there were no huge worries for Mullins and owners Susannah and Rich Ricci with Chacun Pour Soi (following up on his 2020 win here).

The Policy Maker gelding led before the last, quickly asserting for an eight length verdict from Fakir D’oudairies.

“When Mark (Walsh on Fakir D’oudairies) switched out going to the last and I gave him a click he was in there and gone through in a flash — brave at the last. He’s just a proper horse,” reported Townend.

“It was a very good performance. I was a little bit worried going to the third last if Paul had anything left in the tank as he seemed to be niggling,” said Mullins.

“After the second last I thought he wasn't putting the race to bed or anything. Paul felt that he was in command at all stages.

“He just wanted to get down to the last, jump it, and then go. The end result was very good.

“I was worried over the third and second last but Paul said he was just asleep underneath him.

“They didn't hang around. Min set off to make the pace and then Notebook joined him. Notebook was probably just slicker in the air and Min paid the penalty for that later on.

“Min seems to be fine, Patrick got off and thought he was fine. It didn't work out for him today but the other guy was awesome.

“He's an awesome horse to have anything to do with. I'm delighted he came here today and did what he did.”

Mr P.W. Mullins, rider of Min (FR) trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount jumped poorly.

(GC & EM)