The Willie Mullins trained Bleu Et Rouge sprang a surprise in the Grade 1 Deloitte Novice Hurdle, beating his better fancied rivals - stable mate Bellshill and the Gordon Elliott trained Tombstone

Successful on his Irish debut at Cork in November, the French import was fourth to Long Dog over the course at Christmas.

Tombstone was second in that contest and while he went off at 3/1 today, Bleu Et Rouge was sent off an 11/1 chance in the colours of JP McManus.

Settled in third by Barry Geraghty he improved to dispute the lead with Bellshill from three out.

He got the better of that rival from before the last but he was then challenged on the outer by Tombstone.

The duo had a good battle on the run-in with Bleu Et Rouge gaining the upper hand in the final 150 yards, going on to score by three lengths.

Tombstone had to settle for second under Bryan Cooper while the 4/6 favourite Bellshill was fifteen lengths back in third under Ruby Walsh.

Willie Mullins, who was completing a Grade 1 double, said afterwards: "He ran very well at Christmas and he learned an awful lot.

"I think Barry went out there with a bit of confidence after talking to Mark (Walsh).

"The plan was to make it with Bellshill and for Bleu Et Rouge to follow him. I was a bit surprised that Barry took on Bellshill so far out but Ruby said that Bellshill just wasn’t giving him the same feel that he normally gives him.

"He had to reach a bit for the first one down the back, and maybe it took a bit out of him.

"Barry did the right thing and his horse just looked a bit green going to the last. Barry thought that if he could keep a bit up his sleeve going to the last that he might beat Tombstone, which he did.

"All the jockeys are saying it’s very testing so another two or three furlongs of the Neptune might suit him.

"“Petit Mouchoir took a fair pull and then stopped quickly."

Barry Geraghty added: "He was good. It's very hard work out there. It's a stiff track the best of times, there is a very strong head wind and it makes it ultra-tough today.

"My lad jumped the second last well and he grinded it out from there really.

"He jumped the last well and as soon as I got stuck into him there was a little bit more and he battled well."

Paddy Power go 12/1 (from 33's) about the winner for the Supreme Novices Hurdle, while Bellshill is now 8/1 from 3/1 for the same race.

Powers have also shortened Yanworth from 7/4 to 5/4 for the Supreme.

BoyleSports go 8/1 (from 33/1) about Bleu Et Rouge for both the Neptune & the Supreme.

STEWARDS REPORT

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Bellshill, trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal .

Additional reporting by Alan Magee