Super Saldier leads home Mullins clean sweep in festival's final Grade 1

The 12th and final Grade 1 of the Punchestown festival encapsulated everything that has happened over the last few days.

Gordon Elliott thought he had a cracking chance of success with Triumph Hurdle winner Farclas but Willie Mullins swooped in with a 1-2-3-4 to sugarcoat a sensational week for the 12-time champion trainer.

This was Mullins' ninth top-level success of the festival and it came courtesy of a fairly unconsidered 10-1 chance. Paul Townend, David Mullins, Danny Mullins and Rachael Blackmore were aboard other Mullins runners, so Robbie Power came in for the ride on Rich Ricci's Saldier and he took full advantage of the opportunity.

Power said: "They were worried about his jumping after Fairyhouse but he jumped like a buck for me today. He was brilliant. He never put a foot wrong and I was impressed with the way he quickened up in the home straight. He's a nice horse with a big future."

Just as at Cheltenham when he found Farclas too good, Mr Adjudicator had to settle for second, while Saglawy (third) and Msassa (fourth) completed the clean sweep for Mullins.

Ironically, it was 15-8 favourite Stormy Ireland who let the team down as she was well beaten when unseating David Mullins at the last. She had suffered a similar fate at Cheltenham in the Triumph Hurdle.

The trainer said: "We thought a lot of Saldier and were disappointed with his jumping at Cheltenham, but Robbie sorted that out and he has put it all together today.

"We haven't been hard on our four-year-olds this year. They've had a really easy time of it and it has paid off. Saldier will stay over hurdles next season and might be a horse to travel with on the Flat after that."

The contest was made up entirely of runners from Mullins, who on the day collected a trainers' title trophy he has made his own, and championship rival Elliott. Once again it was Mullins who stole the show as Saldier turned Cheltenham and Fairyhouse form on its head.

Fifth at the Cheltenham Festival, Saldier had finished third at Fairyhouse 11 days ago but left his previous form behind.

To his credit Mr Adjudicator stuck on resolutely as he chased the winner gallantly. But while he ran roughly up to form, the Triumph Hurdle winner Farclas was disappointing in fifth.

Power has developed a good relationship with Mullins and Ricci this season, picking up good rides on second and third strings – even fourth strings like on this occasion – and he hopes the alliance will continue next term.

Power added: "It has been a great end to the week for me. We were hitting the crossbar earlier on in the week but that changed yesterday and today.

"It's great to get these rides for Willie. Long may it continue."

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