Sceaux flawless in Hilly Way romp

Un De Sceaux made all in the Grade 2 Kerry Group Hilly Way Chase, coming home in splendid isolation under David Mullins for his uncle Willie (third winner of the day).

Successful in three Grade 1's last season, the nine-year-old French bred was sent off a 4/6 chance this afternoon in the colours of the O'Connell family.

Sent straight to the front he jumped well throughout and never looked in any danger, stretching clear from two out to score by twenty-five lengths. Top Gamble (7/1) finished best of the rest under Mark Enright for Kerry Lee, while Alisier D'irlande was a massive fifty lengths back in third.

David Mullins said afterwards: "That was the first time I rode something like him and for a horse that goes so hard, he is so clever and sharp. You're just a pure passenger on him and he does everything himself.

"A horse jumped into me at the first but it was straightforward enough after that. He is so sure of himself and it is a pleasure to ride him. He ploughed away through the conditions and jumped really well - long or short he was well able.

"I rode him for the first time on Tuesday; I've got to look at him in the past but never thought I'd get to ride him. I remember his first maiden hurdle - I was walking the track to ride in the bumper and saw him and said 'wow, what's that!'. I'm very thankful to Willie and the owners for getting the ride."

Un De Sceaux is now 5/1 from 6s with Paddy Power for the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham in March.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes