Bleu Berry getting the better of Snow Falcon© Photo Healy Racing
Bleu Berry brought up a double for Willie and Danny Mullins when landing the extended two mile three furlong hurdle in Punchestown.
The 10-year-old gelding raced third and jumped into the back of Snow Falcon at the second last. He was soon back travelling well, though, in his pursuit of leader, and stablemate, Bapaume (6/5f).
Bapuame gave best just before the final flight as Bleu Berry took a narrow lead from Snow Falcon.
Bleu Berry (9/4) was ridden on the run-in and moved clear of Snow Falcon (9/2). The margin between the pair was four and a quarter lengths.
Jockey Mullins said: “It was a nice performance. We were a bit wrong at the weights but a Coral Cup winner in the past - he’s always a class horse.
“He benefitted from the run here at the Festival (when unplaced in a Grade B handicap hurdle). He didn’t run too bad that day for a first run back.
“He was a bit fresh early but got his head down when it mattered.”
The Mullins' also took the opener with Sapphire Lady
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
