Cash Back and Danny Mullins jump the last © Photo Healy Racing
The Willie Mullins-trained Cash Back went to post the outsider of the four in the Munster Hurdle at Clonmel but proved too strong for hotpot stablemate Classic Getaway in the closing stages.
Big money purchase Classic Getaway went to post a 5/6 shot and after settling behind Cash Back in the early stages ran keenly down to the fifth flight and soon picked it up.
Cash Back was asked to tackle the leader at the second last and soon went to the front under Danny Mullins, in a race run over just shy of two-and-a-half miles.
He had the measure of Classic Getaway going to the final flight and kept on well on the run-in to record a six-length win.
The 8/1 winner, who has had his jumping issues over fences. was bouncing back to form having been well held in the Hilly Way Chase at Cork, behind Energumene, on his seasonal debut.
"He was a 140-rated hurdler going into this so I was a bit surprised he was discounted in the betting and thought he'd have a good chance,” said the winning rider, who was partnering a quick double.
"He had a nice comeback run in Cork the last day and it is nice to see him in the winners' enclosure again.
"It was getting tactical going down the hill the final time and I was going well and nobody else was going to get involved.
“I wouldn't discount the second horse yet as it was still a very good run for a horse first time over hurdles. He'll improve plenty from that as well.
"Cash Back has always had the engine, was placed in a Grade 1 novice chase and had his jumping issues but that was a confidence booster today."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
