Gaillard Du Mesnil upstaged on chasing debut by stablemate

Gary Carson
December 16, 2021 3:57 pm

Dual Grade One winner only third to Capodanno.

Capodanno upset better-fancied stablemate Gaillard Du Mesnil to complete a Naas treble for champion trainer Willie Mullins.

A dual Grade One winner over hurdles last season, Gaillard Du Mesnil was a short-priced favourite for his reappearance and fencing debut in the Get A Run For Your Money With BetVictor Beginners Chase.

The 4-11 shot jumped well and travelled comfortably for much of the race, but came under pressure in the home straight and ultimately had to make do with minor honours in third.

The JP McManus-owned Capodanno was a 4-1 shot for his first appearance since winning a handicap hurdle at the Punchestown Festival in April.

Capodanno earns an introductory quote of 16/1 @BoyleSports for the Festival Novice Chase at #Cheltenham. https://t.co/FM5fge4oc2
— Lawrence Lyons (@BoyleSportsLL) December 16, 2021

And considering he made a huge mistake and nearly came down two fences from the finish, Jody McGarvey’s mount did extremely well to rally and get up to beat Embrun Mitja by a length and a quarter.

Mullins said: “It was a tremendous performance after making a mistake at the second-last fence, to do what he did against what looked like a very good beginners’ chase field.

“He seems like he’s going to be a much better chaser than hurdler.”

Of Gaillard Du Mesnil, the trainer added: “He was a little disappointing and he might have just needed the run. He’ll come on from that.”

Mullins had earlier unleashed two exciting recruits to the jumping game in Hawai Game and Brandy Love.

Willie Mullins enjoyed another productive afternoon (Brian Lawless/PA)

Hawai Game, also carrying the McManus silks, justified odds of 8-11 BetVictor Loyalty Club Maiden Hurdle under Paul Townend – his first and only start since winning a bumper in France last year.

Frank Berry, the owner’s racing manager said: “He did it the hard way, I suppose. He was a bit keen and he’ll learn a good bit from today. It was a nice performance.

“He jumped reasonably well and you couldn’t ask for any better. We’ll see what Willie wants to do with him now and see where he goes.”

Mullins and Townend were also on the mark with point-to-point and bumper winner Brandy Love (4-5 favourite), who cruised to a 10-length verdict in the Extra Places Everyday At BetVictor Mares Maiden Hurdle.