Voix Du Reve leads home a Ryanair Gold Cup one-two for Willie Mullins

Voix Du Reve got the better of stablemate Real Steel to provide trainer Willie Mullins with a one-two and a second consecutive Ryanair Gold Cup at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

This year's Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Al Boum Photo had handed Mullins his first victory in the Grade 1 race last year, and sterling performances from his two representatives ensured the trainer won it again with the minimum of fuss.

Winning rider Ruby Walsh paid tribute to Voix Du Reve's owners Graham and Andrea Wylie, who had suffered terrible luck at this spring's two previous big festivals, Cheltenham and Aintree, losing Invitation Only, Ballyward and Up For Review, all trained by Mullins.

Walsh said: "It's great to have a bit of luck for Graham and Andrea – they've had a rotten time with ownership lately. They're great sports people, and it's nice to have a good day for them."

Voix Du Reve was always prominent alongside early leader Mengli Khan and took command of the €100,000 2m4f novice chase shortly before the home turn.

Winning connections celebrate Voix Du Reve's Ryanair Gold Cup success in the winner's enclosureCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Real Steel and Paul Townend mounted a challenge between the final two fences but were unable to get to Walsh's mount, who powered home to win by five and a half lengths.

The seven-year-old was cut to 7-1 (from 10) by Paddy Power for the Grade 1 Ryanair Novice Chase over two miles at the Punchestown festival.

Mullins said: "It's great to win a Grade 1 for the Wylies after the tough season they've had with their horses.

"We had Voix Du Reve down as a two-miler after his first two wins over fences when he was very keen, but he has learned to relax since we upped him in distance.

"He was creeping into contention when he unseated Ruby at the third-last in the JLT at Cheltenham and he was very good today."

The trainer added: "He gave the impression that he might stay further a bit further down the line. If he comes out of this okay then he'll go to Punchestown, as will Real Steel who stayed on well.

"Real Steel looked as if he wasn't appreciating the good ground but once he loosened out he came home well. He'll definitely get further."

Winter Escape finished a distant third, 25 lengths behind Real Steel, while Mengli Khan was last of the four to complete after the fatal fall of his Gordon Elliot-trained stablemate Cubomania four out.

The six-year-old Cubomania won eight of his 26 starts, seven of his wins coming over hurdles.

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