Willie Mullins out to make hay again in €100,000 handicap hurdle

RYBO Handicap Hurdle (Grade A) | 4yo | 2m | RTV

Willie Mullins has won five of the last seven renewals of this race, including the last three, and appears to hold solid claims of continuing his fine record with Cheltenham eyecatcher Mr Adjudicator leading the charge.

A Grade 1-winning juvenile, Mr Adjudicator has raced just twice this season and was last seen finishing a respectable eighth in the County Hurdle in his first attempt at a handicap over jumps.

Ruby Walsh was clearly taken by that effort as he has opted to ride the five-year-old over Cut The Mustard and Ask Susan, who also represent the champion trainer in this €100,000 contest.

Mullins said: “I was very happy with Mr Adjudicator’s run at Cheltenham and that gives him a good chance here even though he’s got top weight. On this ground, I think top weights have a chance.

“Cut The Mustard likes this track and Ask Susan is a new recruit and off bottom weight she has a great chance.”

What they say

Eddie O'Leary, racing manager for Gigginstown House Stud, owners of Farclas, Mitchouka, Avenir D'Une Vie and High School Days
I don't know what has happened to Farclas and Mitchouka this season. On this year's form, you'd have to wonder how Farclas won a Triumph, maybe it's a ground thing, I don't know. Mitchouka is fitted with first-time cheekpieces. Avenir D'Une Vie also needs to show a bit more while High School Days has a small chance.

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Jezki and Forge Meadow
Jezki will enjoy it. He hasn’t run since finishing second at Leopardstown but he’ll love the ground. Forge Meadow is racing in a handicap for the first time and we’ll see how she gets on here.

Tony Martin, trainer of Tudor City
He's a consistent sort and usually runs a nice race. We're hoping that with the sun on his back and the ground coming up the way it is he can give a good account.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Denmead
We're very happy with him. We're going over there as the race is worth a lot of money and the track should suit. The ground will be perfect as well.

James Nash, trainer of Scheu Time
He was a bit fresh at Aintree where he did a bit too much too early. This is a great prize and Gavin [Brouder] can use his 7lb claim so we have to take our chance. We're very happy with him.

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