Felix Yonger puts in a prodigious leap in Punchestown© Photo Healy Racing
Felix Yonger readily saw off odds-on favourite Defy Logic in the Grade 2 Madigans Bars Craddockstown to give Willie Mullins a third winner on the day.
Defy Logic (10/11) made all in this two-mile contest, but was joined before the second last by Felix Yonger who was going noticeably well. The latter moved into a clear lead coming to the last and a good jump there enabled him to win by two and a half lengths at 9/4.
Willie Mullins said: “That looked impressive to me. He’s in the Drinmore, but that may come too quick for him. His jumping was very good at the business end.
“Ruby said he was idling in front which would lead you to believe there’s more in the locker. We’ll see how he comes out of this; I might put him by until Christmas as he had a tough race.
“I don’t think he needs to go up in trip. I’d be happy to stay at two miles.”
This was a Punchestown double for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh. Mullins also trained the first winner in Cork – Upsie
Felix Yonger was second in the Grade 1 Neptune novices hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival last year. Simonsig was his conqueror there. He won his beginners’ chase at this track over two and a half miles in May, beating subsequent Kerry National winner White Star Line.
Paddy Power gave Felix Yonger a first show of 12/1 for the Jewson at Cheltenham.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
