Mullins and Townend double up with Classic Getaway

Classic Getaway was another short-priced winner for Willie Mullins on Punchestown's card as he obliged in the extended two and a half mile maiden hurdle.

After winning his point-to-point in November 2020 for Donnchadh Doyle, he went for 570,000 guineas at Goffs the following month. Since moving to Mullins' stable, he won his bumper at Tipperary by a wide margin and was runner-up over flights in Clonmel earlier this month.

He was a 1/3 chance to account for his 12 rivals and was well placed to strike in third after four out. The Getaway six-year-old moved closer as he tackled that flight and improved to second at the next when Geni De La Cour paid the price for an indifferent jumping display.

Paul Townend sent Classic Getaway to the front past Prevaricate rounding the home bend. The duo popped the last well from a staying-on The Waltzer who made a mistake.

The 'jolly' kept on to score by four and three quarter lengths from 14/1 The Waltzer. Whatsavailable (5/1) finished third, beaten over nine lengths by the winner.

Mullins said: “It was a very workmanlike performance. I think the hood had the desired effect and maybe he settled too much. Whether we'll use it again or not I don't know.

“It certainly did what we needed it to do and I think he was just lazy in front.

“That ground is very deceiving, it's much more testing than it looks. Our fella had a good blow after it and I think there is plenty of improvement left in him.

“I'd imagine we'll be looking at two-and-a-half if not three in future. We certainly won't be coming back in trip anyway.

“I'd imagine he'll be put in the Ballymore and Albert Bartlett and we'll have a look nearer the time. I won't make any decision now what direction he goes but it would be one of those two I'd imagine.”

Mullins and Townend also took the opener with Kilcruit (1/5f).

Paddy Power made Classic Getaway 12/1 from 20/1 for the Albert Bartlett and 16/1 from 33/1 for the Ballymore.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson