Il Etait Temps gave jockey Danny Mullins an opening Grade 1 treble on Day one of the DRF Healy Racing © Photo Healy Racing
Jockey Danny Mullins completed an incredible back-to-back Grade 1 hat-trick, when getting up close home on Il Etait Temps to win the Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown.
Mullins, who had earlier won both the staying novices' and juvenile hurdle, was recording a third Grade 1 success in just over an hour.
In contrast to the earlier races, Mullins was hard at work turning for home, as Found A Fifty and Facile Vega led the sextet of runners. If anything, the eventual winner looked booked for fourth spot, as 4/7f Marine Nationale had yet to be asked for maximum effort on his inside.
However, as both Facile Vega and Marine Nationale made mistakes at the last, the door opened for Il Etait Temps to throw down the final challenge to Found A Fifty. Less than 100 yards out it looked like the latter was doing enough to just hold on but Mullins found that bit extra close home to get up for a famous neck victory.
"Another very willing partner. I went into the race thinking that he jumped so well at Limerick last time that if any of them had a chink in their armour I'd be there. I think they all ran their race but I might have just been better today."
Also registering his third Grade 1 win on the card, Danny's uncle Willie(Mullins) said: “Danny is just on fire today.
“This horse is improving, his jumping is improving and he's settling as well. He didn't have much respect for hurdles but he has far more respect for fences and that's bringing out improvement in him.
“It just shows you that chasers come in all shapes and sizes, he's not the biggest horse in the world. He's obviously very effective over this trip and we'll look forward to the Arkle in Cheltenham.
“He showed plenty of resolution and Danny just timed his run well.
“Facile Vega will probably stay at that trip as well. I was very happy with him, even though he got beaten. I saw a lot in the race to say that he's coming along and improving as well.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
Paddy Powers go 7/2(from 10/1) Il Etait Temps for the Arkle Chase. Marine Nationale is now 11/4 from 8/15f and Gaelic Warrior 2/1f(all NRNB).
