MYSTICAL POWER storms home in the 2024 KPMG Champion Novice Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival
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Published 2024-04-30
Willie Mullins' horse was sent off the 2/1 favourite under Mark Walsh after he got the better of Firefox in the Grade 1 Top Novices' Hurdle at Aintree last time and that straight forecast came in again with Cheltenham winner Slade Steel back in third.
Henry de Bromhead's horse is already well proven over 2m4f and it was his stamina that kicked in on day one at Cheltenham as he got back up on the run for the line on the Cheltenham hill after Mystical Power had edged in front with what looked like a winning run.
The son of Annie Power has been faultless since then, though, winning in Liverpool and now at Punchestown thanks to his raw two-mile speed, his good jump at the last sealing victory as he pulled away from Firefox by a length and three quarters, Slade Steel a further four and a quarter lengths behind.
“He showed resilience and toughness today, he’s been improving all season,” Mullins said of the winner.
“I didn’t think we had much chance at the second-last and Mark said he was going as fast as he could coming around the last bend.
“The race turned into a staying race, with the other two protagonists playing their cards going to the last, they were flat out and he just outstayed them with a good jump at the last.
“It’s fantastic that he’s progressed as the season has gone on and I think Annie Power is coming out in him.”
#horseracing #punchestown
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All Comments (11)
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Slade steel definitely ran its race, just doesn’t have the speed over 2 miles on good ground that Mystical power has. Personally I think Mystical is clearly the classier horse anyway with his speed and jumping has improved so much. Slade steel is more of a 2 and a half miler.
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They got the tactics right today. Didn't allow slade steel to get an easy lead and bring it's stamina into play el Atlantic was there to ensure it was a genuine 2 mile pace .
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Someone I Know Played Mystical Power!! He Got Real Lucky Today!!
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Gaillelos still winning big races 👏 we will never see another sire even close to the god☘️
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On mature reflection gelding mystical power may have been a tad premature😢
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Races are not won from the front brilliant ride
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The Irish commentator is one of the poorest I have ever heard.
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This is a very decent prospect. Had to dig deep to get the job done but has had a heavy season and might have been feeling like effects. With CH seemingly a lost cause, Nicky strikes again, it might be pertinent to set his season out to encompass the Champion hurdle, as he must have a chance.
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Dinoblue is a waste of space and can't be backed. It was probably shorter than it should have been, like all Willies horses. I blamed Mark Walsh for the Cheltenham loss, but now i can see the horse has no will to win. Never again. Joke of a horse. Mullins had a mixed day. Dinoblue and the bumper mule would have proved costly for a lot of punters. Obviously, you'll hear the garbage comments like congratulations, Mr. Mullins and his team every time he gets it right, but nobody mentions the incalculable amount of times he gets it wrong. Everyone gives him titles like Sir and Mr Mullins to kiss ass, however. If you actually follow him, you'll be well in the red. Why people choose to give such titles to people who wouldn't give ya a winner if your life depended on it is beyond me. Obviously looking for a reaction from people who actually gamble. Barry Geraghty is a dreadful addition to the RTE coverage. He speaks about Daddy long legs been well in after the race is over. If he was guaranteed he wouldn't be 3/1. Such pathetic analysis. Paid by the bookies like Ruby to lead the punters to losers. I never seen such clueless fools in my life on the channel. They're worse than Weaver and Harvey.
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Walsh is a hugely overrated jock. Mystical Power had a much harder race, than was necessary 👎
