Johnny Ward: Crowds return, Mullins lands treble and JP McManus tactics key.
AFTER TWO YEARS of this Festival with no crowds, little surprise there was a giddiness in the air at a chilly Foxrock – and backers of Willie Mullins were smiling more than most.
Saint Roi’s success in the feature novice chase was a reward for Mullins targeting a Grade 1 with a maiden; for JP McManus’ decision to go along with Mullins; and for Mark Walsh’s agreeing to go along with McManus, who apparently felt they got the tactics wrong at Navan when Saint Roi was second to Fil Dor.
“Fil Dor made a mistake down the back and I knew Jack was struggling then. My lad is hard on himself but fences suit him more.” “He had a hurdle rating good enough to run in championship races but was probably not a champion hurdler himself.” There’s every chance she’ll be yet another odds-on shot in the Cotswolds and Paul Townend will go there full of confidence.
“In fairness,” said trainer Joseph O’Brien, “when do you get a horse with the Flat rating he has going hurdling? He’s pretty exciting you’d have to say.”
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