Bachasson and Paul Townend easily win the Red Mills Chase© Photo Healy Racing
It was every bit as straightforward as most people would have anticipated for the 4/11 favourite Bachasson in the featured Red Mills Steeplechase (Grade 2). Spyglass Hill accompanied the market leader until Paul Townend’s mount jumped to the front four out.
The Voix Du Nord gelding, completing a five-timer of victories since winning at Clonmel before ‘lockdown one’ last March, was not hard pressed coming down the home straight as he accounted for Castlegrace Paddy (9/1) by 16 lengths.
This was the Edward O’Connell-owned Bachasson’s 13th win from 22 runs in Ireland having won two out of his three starts in AQPS Flat races in France before starting out over obstacles here.
Sixth in the Coral Cup last season, the winner was given a quote of 10/1 (from 16s) for this year’s renewal a fortnight from tomorrow but winning trainer Willie Mullins seems to have other plans.
“He’s just an extraordinary horse," said Mullins.
"He’s a real advertisement for what we would call a handy horse. It just shows that they come in all shapes and sizes. He was bought as a bumper/hurdle horse but he has such scope and is so brave.
“Paul (Townend) said he was absolutely loving it today when he got upsides Rachael and he just took off. He’s in love with the game even though he’s done a lot of racing.
“I’d imagine we will look for a similar type contest, maybe the Webster Cup at Navan. He can go back over hurdles if the conditions are right.
“He’s a great horse for the O’Connell’s to have on the back of Un De Sceaux (the winner of 23 races, 21 of them for Mullins).”
Quotes from Alan Magee
