Livelove has the last laugh for Mullins and Ricci

It has been a trying few days for Willie Mullins and owner Rich Ricci, with Faugheen and Min being ruled out of Cheltenham, but they enjoyed better luck in the feature novice hurdle as Livelovelaughrecorded a fortunate victory under Ruby Walsh.

Walsh had kicked the son of Beneficial into a clear lead after the third-last, but the Jack Kennedy-ridden Carrig Cathal had moved into pursuit jumping the second-last and was within more than hailing distance when he stumbled two or three strides after that flight and deposited Kennedy on to the turf.

The way Carrig Cathal usually stays means the contest had still been in the balance at the time. However, the winner did what he had to do and showed his own reserves of stamina as he came home 20 lengths clear of stablemate Aussie Reigns.