Mighty Min secures famous John Durkan hat-trick
Mullins dominates in Punchestown showpiece.
Min recorded his third successive victory in the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown, as he led home a Willie Mullins one-two-three in the Grade One feature. Winner of the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham in March, Min brought the strongest form to the table and was sent off the 13-8 favourite to complete his hat-trick. With Paul Townend at Cork to ride Chacun Pour Soi, Patrick Mullins came in for the ride and set out to make all the running. Given the race was run in thick fog it was difficult to see much of the contest, but the Mullins runners were all to the fore. Battleoverdoyen dropped away before the straight, as did Allaho, and the surprise threat to Min came from Tornado Flyer. Well-backed late on, Bryan Cooper delivered his challenge late – but Min stuck to his task gamely to win by a length, with Melon in third. Mullins was thrilled with the spin he got from Min and said: “I’m gutted as he put in an exhibition of jumping and you couldn’t see it. “He settled great in front. Chris’s Dream was beside us a lot of the way. From when we turned down the back he made ground at each jump. “I was on the bridle down to the second-last and Tornado Flyer suddenly appeared on my outside. Bryan was motionless and I was flat out and was headed going down to the last. “I winged the last and he kept on really well. He’s push-button stuff and I’d love another go on him.” He added: “Because of Altior, at the start of his career he was seen as a nearly horse, but his longevity of top-quality performances is a very rare thing. “He’s the first horse to get a hat-trick in this race and he’ll be very hard to replace.” Min was trimmed a point into 7-1 by Coral to defend his Ryanair crown in March.Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Ballysax scorer Dallas Star added to Derby field
Adrian Murray targeting Epsom with shock Leopardstown winner.
-
Andre Fabre left wondering if ground was behind Newmarket disappointment
Alcantor remains on course for French Guineas despite Craven eclipse.
-
Amateur Ella Herbison performs miracle recovery to claim first victory at Perth
The 7lb claimer went on to win by a length and three-quarters.
-
Neville eager to take Oaksey test with The Real Whacker
‘It’s the first time I’ve seen good ground in a long time, so we’re looking forward to it’.
-
Chester and York options under consideration for Arrest
Colt finished seventh on his seasonal bow at Newbury.
-
Dettori lands Kentucky Derby ride on Society Man
Italian will take part in Churchill Downs showpiece.
-
Botti sets sights on French Classic gold with Folgaria
A trip to ParisLongchamp next month firmly on the agenda for Newbury winner.
-
Olivier Peslier announces imminent retirement
International star will bow out on Thursday after a stellar riding career.
-
Bellum Justum stakes Derby claim with Epsom victory
Blue Riband Trial winner now 25-1 for the June Classic.