Haxo (right) chases down Sir Argus © Photo Healy Racing
Haxo sent off 7/2 second favourite, from 11/2 this morning, profited from a last-flight mistake by stable companion Sir Argus (4/11 fav) to take the 2m4f maiden hurdle for colts and geldings.
The Willie Mullins-trained pair occupied the first two places throughout and the odds-on 'jolly' looked set to oblige when ridden clear early in the straight by Paul Townend. Haxo would't go away, however, and was still within a couple of lengths of the leader when that one bungled the last and lost a lot of momemtum.
Danny Mullins, doubling up after his dead-heat on Princess Zoe capitalised on his opportunity and drove his mount to the front on the run-in to score by a length.
Jeepdydoff Meel, who also blundered at the last, was a further eight and a half lengths away in third.
Owned by the Noel Fehily Racing Syndicate, enjoying a good run across the water with the likes of Love Envoi and Tahmuras, six-year-old Haxo, a winner over 1m4f in France, was getting off the mark on his fourth start over hurdles.
“For jumping Haxo deserved to win that and that's what won it for him in the end,” said Mullins.
“He's a second season novice and jumped really well. He's a nice type and he looks a real chaser in the making.
“Sir Argus, I think, just lost his confidence after his fall (when in front two out) the last day in Clonmel
“He's done plenty of schooling at home but on the racecourse he seems to have lost his confidence. We'll have to keep him schooling and try to get him back right.
Quotes from Gary Carson
