Min and Ruby Walsh © Photo Healy Racing
Min ran out a facile winner of the Labrokes Dublin Chase at Leopardstown for the second year running after an incident packed contest.
A fatal injury sustained by Special Tiara before the first fence marred the two-mile-one contest. Castlegrace Paddy fell at the first fence to reduce the field to just three runners. Saint Calvados set the pace in the race but was stalked by 4/9 shot Min after they jumped the final fence, the normal two out after the last was taken out due to low lying sun.
Ruby Walsh was motionless on the hotpot turning for home and only had to give him a squeeze in the closing stages to post a cosy six-length success. Ordinary World stayed on to take the runner-up spot.
“It was unfortunate to lose Henry's horse early on. With the first and last fence out I'm not sure it told us much,” said Mullins.
“I was delighted with my fella, he ran up to form.
“I think he got a fright when Castlegrace Paddy fell and didn't jump the next few fences, especially the first down the back he just propped at it and stopped. He said if he keeps doing that he's probably out of the race.
“Ruby got him jumping then and got him into a rhythm down the back and it was only a matter of waiting until he got over the last and giving him the office to go, which he did.
“He has the pace for two miles and he can go out to two-and-a-half and maybe even an extra furlong or two as well.
“When he's on song, and he jumps well, he can gain ground in the air and keep his position. He has a lot of doors open for him.
“I'm very happy to win today and that's as far as I'm thinking.
“That's good, Rich is over for the race as well and we're very happy.
“Footpad and Min can both go out in trip or run over two miles. We should be able to keep them apart.
“I'm more concerned about getting some proper winter weather for some of these racetracks, and Cheltenham as well.
“We keep saying it'll come but it hasn't come. I'm more concerned about ground than keeping them apart.
“The Red Mills is an option (for Footpad). A lot of people are looking at the Red Mills, Presenting Percy included so that could be a real good race, it could be the race of the season.”
Boylesports and Betfair both go 4/1 (from 5/1) about the Ryanair Chase for Min and both are 8/1 (from 10/1) for the Champion Chase.
