The real Getabird sprouts wings to resume winning ways in emphatic style

Different day. Different country. Different track. Different direction. Different Getabird.

Getabird's wings were back in perfect working order here as we were reminded just why he started 7-4 favourite for the Supreme at Cheltenham with a race-winning burst in between the final two hurdles that swatted away the opposition in an instant.

"He's probably a better horse going right-handed," said Willie Mullins after the 12-length romp and you can guarantee he will be a short-priced favourite for the Herald Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown later this month should he get there in one piece.

This was the Getabird we saw maul Mengli Khan by nine lengths at Punchestown in January and there was not a single moment when defeat entered the equation. He settled, jumped neatly apart from the second-last and galloped relentlessly to a most impressive success.

It was the first time Paul Townend had sat on Getabird since they teamed up to land a maiden hurdle at Punchestown in December and the rider was unsurprisingly pleased by the performance.

He said: "He behaved himself today. He was back to himself and that was the real Getabird you saw. You can't be overconfident with a horse coming back from Cheltenham and what he did over there, but he seemed in good order at home. If he behaved like he did today I'm sure he'd get further than two miles.

Willie Mullins chats to Paul Townend after winning with Getabird at FairyhouseCredit: Alain Barr

"Until he ran in Punchestown, with Patrick on him, he would probably have been down as a stayer with us. He just showed so much boot that day dropping back in trip. That's why I wasn't afraid to pop out and make the running here because he'd go on the ground and I thought he'd stay."

Draconien stayed on into a distant second to give Mullins more cash in his quest to defend his trainers' title. It was also the fifth time in six years he won this Grade 2. Hardline took third for Davy Russell and Gordon Elliott.

This was certainly a different Getabird to the one we saw surrender so tamely in the Cheltenham Festival opener and trail in 11th of the 19 runners behind Summerville Boy.

Mullins added: "At least he's back to himself after that disappointing run at Cheltenham. Paul was brave on him but he said he was going to ride him like that. He enjoyed himself out in front. He had his ears pricked the whole way and hopefully he'll go on to Punchestown now."

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