Teahupoo cut to 8-1 for Champion Hurdle before Melon ends 785-day drought

Saturday: Gowran Park

The search for credible opponents for the unbeaten Honeysuckle has not been easy, but the Robcour-owned five-year-old Teahupoo emerged as a contender after operating below the radar for the first half of the season.

An impressive victory in the Grade 3 Red Mills Trial Hurdle saw the French-bred gelding cut to a general 8-1 with most firms for the Unibet Champion Hurdle as he made it three wins from three for the season.

Under Robbie Power, riding his first winner since returning a couple of weeks ago from injury, he seemed anything but suited by the steady gallop and hit the front sooner than was ideal before the second-last.

2.20 Navan Red Mills Hurdle: full result and replay

His response was taking, however, as he dashed clear from the last to beat Darasso by 11 lengths, with his old rival Quilixios a further 11 lengths away in third.

Gordon Elliott said: "He's a very deceiving horse. He doesn't do much at home and is very laid-back, but I would say he is not a bad horse.

"Robbie says he hated the ground but he was able to pick up on the better ground in the straight. I thought it was a good performance. We said we would come here today and see where we were and we will definitely go for the Champion Hurdle now."

Melon has his day

Before lining up as a 2-5 favourite for the Grade 2 Red Mills Chase, Melon had finished second at the Cheltenham Festival more often than he had won a race over jumps, but he had little trouble in gaining his fourth career jumping success.

Under Paul Townend his six-length victory over Sizing Pottsie did not flatter him, but it left the question of his spring target. His style of racing looks ideal for the Grand National if he managed to stay the trip, but he also has several targets at Cheltenham.

Willie Mullins: saddled a double with Melon and Blue SariCredit: Edward Whitaker

Trainer Willie Mullins said: "It's great to get him back to winning ways. He did a little bit of work during the week which was fantastic and we decided to come here then. He's in everything at Cheltenham, so we will see where we go from here.

"His jumping was great and he really enjoyed himself. It doesn't matter which race you go for at Cheltenham, they are all tough, but I imagine he will go for one of the shorter races."

Melon was shortened to a best-priced 16-1 shot with a few firms for the Ryanair Chase.

Watch Melon end his dry spell in style

Sari impresses

After putting it up to Envoi Allen in the 2019 Champion Bumper, the world looked the oyster of Blue Sari. That did not materialise but a reputation looks as though it could be redeemed after he made short work of his opponents in the in the 2m4f beginners' chase.

He kept up a good gallop from the front and jumped well apart from a mistake at the last in dismissing his sole market rival Grand Paradis by 13 lengths.

The winner was cut to 7-1 from 14s by the sponsors for the Paddy Power Plate, but Cheltenham does not look to be on the agenda. That does not mean Willie Mullins does not have ambitious plans.

He said: "I imagine this fellow will stay at home. I have in mind the former Ryanair Gold Cup at Fairyhouse over Easter over 2m4f. Easter is late this year, so we might even find something in the meantime for him."

Quinlan ban

Rider Liam Quinlan was given a nine-day ban for using his whip with excessive frequency and not giving his mount time to respond after winning the 2m handicap chase on That's Lifebuoy for John Ryan.

Results, replays and analysis

Read more from Saturday's action:

Ascot Chase: This is for him' - Walsh dedicates battling Fakir D'Oudairies win to his uncle

Analysis centre: 'Class won the day' but should Fakir D'Oudairies skip Allaho Ryanair clash?'

Grand National Trial: The Galloping Bear upsets Bristol De Mai to give Ben Clarke biggest career win

Wincanton Saturday: 'Yes, he's quirky, but that was incredible' - Goshen delivers in Kingwell epic

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