Bapaume overturns Landofhopeandglory to boost Triumph claims

Bapaume ended Landofhopeandglory’s unbeaten record over hurdles in the Grade 2 Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle on a day when his trainer Willie Mullins enjoyed his second across-the-card six-timer this month.

This was a reversal of Fairyhouse placings in early December when Landofhopeandglory had beaten Bapaume by a length and the market signalled plenty of confidence in the Mullins challenger. Ruby Walsh’s mount, who was sent off 13-8 favourite, justified the support by beating Joseph O’Brien’s three-time winner by a length and three-quarters.

Bapaume was on Monday night challenging Defi Du Seuil for favouritism for the JCB Triumph Hurdle at around 8-1, although Defi Du Seuil has another chance to bolster his credentials at Chepstow on Tuesday.