Ruby Walsh didn’t have to get serious with odds on Mikael d’Haugenet as the pair won the four runner Follow Punchestown On Facebook Hurdle by seven-and-a-half-lengths. Western Leader (4/1), who had been off the track for 681 days, made the pace under Brian Hayes for Shark Hanlon but understandably had no answer when the 2/5 favourite passed him before the last to win comfortably. Benash (9/1) and Karabak (10/1) were never in contention in coming home third and fourth well over 60 lengths in arrears.
Mikael d’Haugenet’s trainer Willie Mullins said: “We’ll probably have to go up in grade after that. It’s unlikely we’ll find another opportunity like that.
“It has been a chance to get his confidence back and hopefully he will keep improving . He got a bit lazy when he hit the front.”
Meanwhile, Shark Hanlon was delighted to see Western Leader back racing. He said: “I’m thrilled with Western Leader. He really enjoyed himself and has come back with his ears pricked.
“I thought it was a great performance having been off the track for so long and the winner is a fair horse.
“I’d say he will improve a lot for that.”
Mikael d'Haugenet has won three Grade 1s and two Grade 2s over hurdles and after an unsuccessful bid at chasing has returned to this sphere this season.
Stan James have cut Mikael d'Haugenet from 25/1 to 20/ fo heWorld Hurde at Cheltenham.
Michael Graham
