The racing world is buzzing! A champion has made a triumphant return, and it wasn't just one win, but a spectacular four-timer for the formidable team of trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Paul Townend. At the heart of this success was the incredible performance of Impaire Et Passe, who proved once again why he's considered a top-tier athlete in the sport.
Impaire Et Passe, an eight-year-old gelding, showcased a dazzling turn of foot to snatch victory in the Grade 2 Red Mills Chase, catching his rival Sa Fureur right at the finish line. This win marks a significant comeback for a horse who has already amassed five Grade 1 victories in his career. His past triumphs include the prestigious Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in 2023 and a notable win over Bob Olinger in the Aintree Hurdle the following year. His novice chase career was equally impressive, with Grade 1 wins at Limerick and Aintree. However, he had been sidelined since an unfortunate incident at Punchestown in April.
During the race, jockey Paul Townend strategically kept the 4-9 favourite at the rear of the small, four-runner field. The pace was set by Classic Getaway, another Mullins-trained horse, at a relaxed tempo. As the race approached the final fences, Townend began to urge Impaire Et Passe forward. Despite some less-than-perfect jumps at the penultimate and final fences, which momentarily hindered his progress, Impaire Et Passe dug deep. He looked to be in a difficult position after the final fence, but then unleashed a dramatic surge of speed, overtaking Sa Fureur to secure a comfortable victory by a length and a quarter.
This win continued a remarkable streak for Willie Mullins, marking his sixth consecutive race with a trained winner. Following this impressive performance, bookmakers have adjusted the odds for Impaire Et Passe. Paddy Power has shortened his odds for the Grand National to 40-1 (from 50) and for the Ryanair Chase to 6-1 (from 8) on a non-runner, money-back basis.
Paul Townend commented on the race, stating, "It was always going to be a tactical race and it was just a case of when the others would pull the trigger. I was in the wrong position I suppose, but I was on the best horse. He was the class horse of the race. He's won five Grade 1s so it's no secret how good he is."
But here's where the day got even more exciting for the Mullins camp! The trainer's impressive haul began with the opening 2m maiden hurdle. Paul Townend guided the 2-5 favourite, Madness D'Elle, to a convincing two-and-three-quarter-length victory over Manoir De Mirande.
Next up was the Grade 3 Red Mills Trial Hurdle, where the 11-10 favourite, Storm Heart, displayed a fantastic attitude, powering to a length and a half victory over Workahead. This win marked Storm Heart's second consecutive victory, following his December win at Limerick.
Townend shared his thoughts on Storm Heart's performance: "It was a tough performance and I didn't know how well I was going for much of the race. When I got him out and set about him, he stuck it out really well and he got a good jump at the last when he needed it. He's now starting to fulfil what I thought he might do as a novice."
To round off the successful day for the Mullins-Townend partnership, King Alexander, another 4-9 favourite, secured a three-length win over stablemate Yoradreamer in the 2m3½f beginners' chase.
Now, let's shift focus to other trainers making waves! Gordon Elliott also had a day to remember. He clinched the Grade 3 Surehaul Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle for the third year running with Lord Rouge. Piloted by Danny Gilligan, Lord Rouge delivered a powerful staying performance to edge out Changeyourstars by half a length.
Lord Rouge, a 9-2 shot, had previously won on his hurdles debut at Cork in December but faltered in Grade 1 company at Naas. However, stepping up to 2m7f on testing ground, he showed his true potential with a display of great resolution.
Gordon Elliott secured a quick double when Grimaud charged to a dominant ten-length victory in the 2m4f Albert Bartlett Triple Crown Handicap Hurdle. This win was particularly special as it marked Josh Williamson's first win as a professional rider.
Williamson expressed his joy: "It's a very special day and is one I've been waiting a couple of weeks for. I rode 29 winners as an amateur, had a great time and it was a great grounding. I got my professional licence in mid-January and while I had a beaten favourite at Fairyhouse recently, I just had to wait, but it's great."
And there's more firsts to celebrate! Trainer Conor Houlihan celebrated his first winner from just his seventh runner when the 5-1 shot, Nan's Choice, galloped five lengths clear of Luciole Des Bordes in the mares' bumper.
This racing action certainly gives us plenty to discuss! While Impaire Et Passe's comeback is undeniably impressive, some might argue that the tactical nature of the race and the performance of his rivals played a significant role. What are your thoughts? Was it solely the brilliance of Impaire Et Passe, or did the race dynamics contribute more to his victory? Let us know in the comments below!
