Mullins strikes again in day four opener

After a treble on Plate day, Willie Mullins got Galway Hurdle afternoon off to a good start when Rambranlt'jac took the Guinness Beginners’ Chase.

With Paul Townend on Captain Kangaroo (unplaced), Brian Hayes came in for the mount on the French-bred six-year-old who was supported from 14s into 9/1 before the off.

Having tracked the leaders, the winner jumped the first of the two fences in the dip in third place and was driven to take a narrow lead when straightening up for home. Alfa Mix threw down a persistent challenge but was half a length adrift at the line with Oscar Academy another length and a half back in third.

9/4 joint-favourites Fakiera and Chinx Of Light disputed the lead for a long way but faded after the last to finish fourth and fifth.

The winner had landed a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse last year and was appearing for the first time since falling on chase debut at Navan in November.

Hayes said: “I turned in and went for the rail. He stayed going great and jumped great too.

“They went hard enough and I was happy enough just to follow them and have a go at them from the back of the second last when we started climbing the hill.

“He stayed going great and it's nice to ride a Galway festival winner.”

Quotes from Gary Carson